spanner

/ˈspænər/
noun
  1. A tool with a shaped end for turning nuts and bolts; a wrench.
    • He used a spanner to tighten the bolts on the bicycle.
    • A good spanner set is essential for any home toolbox.
    • The mechanic reached for a spanner to fix the engine.
  2. A cause of disruption or difficulty (in the phrase 'throw a spanner in the works').
    • The computer crash threw a spanner in the works just before the deadline.
    • Her resignation threw a spanner in the works for the project.
    • The sudden rain threw a spanner in the works for our picnic plans.
Synonyms
What does "spanner" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean