Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

spanner in the works

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.58 in modern English

Syllables
span-ner in the -works
IPA
29
Scrabble Score
17
Letters
3
Syllables
12
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Something that disrupts smooth operation or functioning.

British usage

Example Sentences

Usage

Inflected Forms

spanners in the works (plural)

Phrases

put a spanner in the works throw a spanner in the works

Frequently Paired Words

put a spanner in the works throw a spanner in the works

Synonyms

wrench in the works monkey wrench in the works

Questions

What does spanner in the works mean?
Something that disrupts smooth operation or functioning.

How to pronounce spanner in the works

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “spanner in the works”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “spanner in the works”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “spanner in the works” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.