throw a wrench in the works
計画を妨害する
解説 Definition
計画や進行中の物事を妨害して台無しにすること。順調な流れに障害を投げ込む。
To cause a problem that stops or delays a plan, process, or activity. It is used when something unexpected creates trouble and makes things harder to complete. The phrase is common for work, projects, and arrangements.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まず known words の組み合わせで覚えると強い表現です。throw は「投げ込む」、works は「作業」よりも「動いている仕組み・工程」と取ると意味がまとまります。そこに wrench（レンチ）を放り込めば、回っていたものが止まるイメージ。つまり「順調に進む計画や進行を途中で狂わせる」。sabotage より口語的で、a delay / one comment / unexpected news throws a wrench in the works のように、進行中の流れに具体的な支障が入る場面で使うと定着しやすいです。
Imagine a machine working smoothly, then someone throws a wrench into it. The moving parts jam, and the whole process is disturbed. That clear picture helps you remember a problem that suddenly blocks a plan or activity.
例文
The sudden resignation of the lead engineer threw a wrench in the works of the entire project.
主任エンジニアの突然の辞任が、プロジェクト全体の計画を妨害した。
Bad weather threw a wrench in the works, forcing us to postpone the outdoor event.
悪天候が計画を台無しにし、屋外イベントの延期を余儀なくされた。
Just when everything was going smoothly, a supply chain disruption threw a wrench in the works.
すべてが順調に進んでいたちょうどその時、サプライチェーンの混乱が計画を妨害した。
throw a wrench in the works の類義語・関連語
throw a wrench in the works の語源・成り立ち Etymology
throw a wrench in the works の wrench は古英語系の『ねじる、無理に曲げる』語、works は work 由来で『機械のしくみ』です。wring や workmanship を思うと、『動く仕組みに工具を放り込んで狂わせる』比喩だと分かります。
`Wrench` comes from an old English word meaning to twist or pull by force, and `works` comes from `work` in the sense of machinery or a mechanism. The phrase creates the image of throwing a tool into moving parts and making the whole system fail. From that mechanical picture, it came to mean causing sudden trouble in a plan or process. Related words include `wring` and `workmanship`.
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