throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into
idiom
US, informal
: to damage or change (something) in a way that ruins it or prevents it from working properly
The storm threw a monkey wrench into their plans for a picnic.
Examples of throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, two factors can throw a monkey wrench into the mix.
—
Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
In addition, tweaking input data for the large language model (LLM) that powers such an AI can throw a monkey wrench into its responses.
—PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Councilwoman Nancy Henjum has been outspoken on the aggressive tactics her council colleagues have taken to throw a monkey wrench into a situation the voters approved.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025
Things like unpredictable algorithm changes, a shift in how users behave or unforeseen competition can throw a monkey wrench into your analytics.
—Jason Hall, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024
Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
Way to throw a monkey wrench into spring break plans, Megabus.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2023
The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations.
—Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017
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Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
In addition, tweaking input data for the large language model (LLM) that powers such an AI can throw a monkey wrench into its responses.
—PC Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
Councilwoman Nancy Henjum has been outspoken on the aggressive tactics her council colleagues have taken to throw a monkey wrench into a situation the voters approved.
—John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2025
Things like unpredictable algorithm changes, a shift in how users behave or unforeseen competition can throw a monkey wrench into your analytics.
—Jason Hall, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
This does, of course, throw a monkey wrench into the possibility of sustaining a relationship.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024
Or look for a third party candidate and throw a monkey wrench into partisan politics.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2023
Way to throw a monkey wrench into spring break plans, Megabus.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2023
The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations.
—Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Throw/hurl/toss a monkey wrench into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw%2Fhurl%2Ftoss%20a%20monkey%20wrench%20into. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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