monkey-wrench
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monkey wrench
noun
1.
Also called, especially British, adjustable spanner. a wrench having an adjustable jaw permitting it to grasp nuts or the like of different sizes.
2.
something that interferes with functioning; obstacle: He threw a monkey wrench into our plans.
Origin:
1855–60
1855–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged
kiˌrɛntʃ verb (used with object)
1.
to ruin (plans, a schedule, etc.) unavoidably or, sometimes, deliberately: The storm monkey-wrenched our plans for a picnic.
verb (used without object)
2.
to prevent, delay, or sabotage industrialization or development of wilderness areas, especially through vandalism.
Related forms
mon·key-wrench·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To monkey-wrench
00:10
Monkey-wrench
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
| to flee; abscond: |
Collins
World English Dictionary
| monkey wrench | |
| —n | |
| a wrench with adjustable jaws | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
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