SPANNER

UK and ANZ, US wrench [noun] [C] - a metal tool with a shaped end, used to turn nuts and bolts(UK and ANZ) an open ended/adjustable/ring spanner(US) an open-end/adjustable/box wrenchSee picture: Tools(UK and ANZ) To put/throw a spanner in the works (US throw a (monkey) wrench in something) is to be the cause of spoiling a plan.The train strike has really thrown a spanner in the works - we'll never be able to deliver the goods on time now.