a large spanner in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large spanner in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that causes disruption or difficulty in a situation or plan. Example: "The unexpected storm was a large spanner in our plans for the outdoor event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let's hope somebody throws a large spanner in the works.

The Guardian - Business

Dr. Crick insisted on being introduced immediately to the deity and after some persuasion was taken to a junkyard shack at the very back of heaven, where there was "a little man in overalls with a large spanner in his back pocket".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's the big spanner in the works!

Wikipedia

However, planning decisions for a bypass put a spanner in the works.

Independent

"It puts a bit of a spanner in the works," said coach Danny Kerry.

BBC

But a skiing accident threw a spanner in the works and he explored both politics and singing before deciding he had to give performing a shot.

Huffington Post

Telecom New Zealand is likely to make a bid now.Elf Aquitaine of France threw a spanner in the Norwegian works with a cash offer of around NKr17 billion ($2.1 billion) for Saga Petroleum, Norway's third-largest oil producer, just when the two largest, Statoil and Norsk Hydro, thought they had a joint deal.

The Economist

So it can be quite a spectacle when a big player refuses to go by the rules and throws a spanner in the works.

BBC

Can you be a cog in the system and a spanner in the works?

The Guardian

All of this has thrown a serious spanner in the works of Corinthians' marketing strategy.

The Guardian - Sport

But I'm throwing a fucking spanner in the works here and going for St Vincent.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large spanner in" to vividly describe an unexpected problem that significantly disrupts a plan or process. This idiom is particularly effective in informal or journalistic contexts where a more colorful expression is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a large spanner in" for minor inconveniences. This idiom implies a substantial disruption, so reserve it for situations where the problem genuinely poses a significant challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large spanner in" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something that causes disruption, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

25%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large spanner in" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe something that significantly disrupts a plan or process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, adding emphasis to the disruptive nature of an event. While suitable for informal and journalistic writing, more formal contexts may require alternatives like "major obstacle" or "significant setback". It appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, though it is not a very common phrase overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monkey wrench in the gears

Uses an alternative idiom to suggest something that sabotages or disrupts a process.

a wrench in the works

Uses a different tool-related idiom to convey the same meaning of disruption.

a stumbling block

Uses a metaphor of something that causes one to trip or falter in their progress.

a major impediment

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more formal term for something that hinders progress.

a significant obstacle

Similar to 'impediment' but slightly less formal, indicating a notable barrier.

a major complication

Highlights the added difficulty caused by the disruptive element.

a considerable setback

Focuses on the negative impact on progress, rather than the cause of the disruption.

a serious disruption

Emphasizes the disturbance caused to the planned course of action.

a hurdle to overcome

Presents the disruption as a challenge that needs to be addressed.

a fly in the ointment

Employs a different idiom to describe something that spoils or mars an otherwise positive situation.

FAQs

What does "a large spanner in" mean?

The idiom "a large spanner in" refers to something that causes a sudden and significant disruption to a plan or process. It suggests a problem that throws things into disarray.

How can I use "a large spanner in" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe unexpected obstacles. For example: "The sudden market crash threw "a large spanner in" their investment plans."

What's a less idiomatic way to say "a large spanner in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "major obstacle", "significant setback", or "major complication". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "a large spanner in" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, the idiom "a large spanner in" is generally more appropriate for informal or journalistic writing. In formal contexts, consider using a more direct and less colorful phrase like "significant impediment".