monkey wrench

• Outil comportant une mâchoire réglable servant à saisir et à tourner des écrous, boulons ou tuyaux ; il est aussi employé au sens figuré dans l’expression « mettre des bâtons dans les roues », signifiant entraver des plans ou saboter.

A tool with an adjustable jaw used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, or pipes; also used figuratively in the phrase 'throw a monkey wrench' meaning to cause disruption or sabotage a plan.

1. ToolB1formal

   A type of adjustable wrench used for turning nuts and bolts.

   Clé à molette

   • He used a monkey wrench to tighten the pipe.
   • The mechanic grabbed a monkey wrench from his toolbox.
   • A monkey wrench is essential for plumbing repairs.

2. Disruption or obstacleB2informalamerican

   Something that causes a problem or spoils a plan.

   Obstacle imprévu

   • The sudden rain threw a monkey wrench into our picnic plans.
   • His resignation put a monkey wrench in the project timeline.
   • The unexpected delay was a real monkey wrench in our schedule.