The phrase "throwing a monkey wrench in to" means to sabotage or disrupt plans. It is commonly spelled with the American English spelling "wrench" and the British English spelling "spanner". The word "monkey" is often spelled with a silent "e" in British English but not in American English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "throwing a monkey wrench in to" is /ˈθroʊɪŋ ə ˈmʌŋki rɛntʃ ɪn tu/. The phrase originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
To "throw a monkey wrench into" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States during the early 20th century. This phrase is commonly used to describe an action or event that disrupts or sabotages someone's plans or intentions, often resulting in confusion, delay, or the inability to accomplish a task smoothly. The phrase is derived from the image of a monkey wrench, a tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, being deliberately thrown into a well-running machinery, thus causing it to malfunction or break down.
When someone "throws a monkey wrench into" a situation, they introduce an unexpected obstacle or complication that was not anticipated, creating a hurdle that must be overcome. This figurative expression is often associated with intentional interference or disruptive behavior, suggesting that the action is done with the intention to undermine someone else's efforts or objectives.
The phrase is typically used in informal contexts, such as conversations, discussions, or anecdotes, to emphasize the disruptive nature of an action or event. It is frequently employed in various scenarios, including personal relationships, business dealings, political situations, or even in everyday problem-solving. The intention behind "throwing a monkey wrench into" something is to hinder progress, sow confusion, or provoke others to rethink their plans, ultimately causing inconvenience or frustration.