spanner in the works

a problem that comes totally out of the blue and ruins a set plan.

"OI is johnny coming round to the pub?"
"Nah his girlfriend has a cold so hes has to stay home and look after her"
"Thats a spanner in the works isnt it"

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throw a spanner in the works

Have a huge problem that halts progress.

Thats gonna throw a spanner in the works.