monkey wrench
monkey wrench · monkey wrenches · monkey wrenched · monkey wrenching
To apply a monkey wrench, e.gTo apply a monkey wrench, e.g. to tighten or loosen nuts.
» Tom sneaked up behind the guard and clobbered him with a monkey wrench.
Meaning
2 sensesTo apply a monkey wrench, e.g. to tighten or loosen nuts.
(idiomatic)To introduce problems, to create unexpected trouble, to sabotage.
Examples
3 sentencesTom sneaked up behind the guard and clobbered him with a monkey wrench.
Factional in-fighting threw a monkey wrench into the deliberations.
Tom straightened up, and tossed a monkey wrench into the tool box.
Origin
Already in use, and not unfamiliar among mechanics, by 1832; see discussion and referencesAlready in use, and not unfamiliar among mechanics, by 1832; see discussion and references at Monkey wrench § Etymology and history.
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Forms
monkey wrenches, monkey wrenching, monkey wrenched, monkey wrenched| Base form | monkey wrench · to monkey wrench |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | monkey wrenches |
| Present participle | monkey wrenching |
| Past simple | monkey wrenched |
| Past participle | monkey wrenched |
regular
Lessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle