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What does throw a spanner in the works mean?

Looking for the meaning or definition of the word throw a spanner in the works? Here's what it means.

Verb
  1. (idiomatic, Britain) To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.
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Examples
After all, we expect credit transfers to strengthen economic integration in the European Union and not to throw a spanner in the works.
Someone is trying to throw a spanner in the works but we won't allow them to disrupt the rebuilding job we are doing here.
The last thing we should do, however, is to throw a spanner in the works for road transport.
Nahawa was also there when our local neighbourhood mayor tried to throw a spanner in the works and steal land from us.
But a Republican win in Massachusetts today could still throw a spanner in the works.
Furthermore, in view of the positive progress that the Council has already made, support for this report would throw a spanner in the works with regard to the Council's work.

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