a spanner in the works
• a person or thing that prevents the successful implementation of a plan.
• "even the weakest parties can throw a spanner in the works of the negotiations"
Similar:
interfere (with),
hinder,
hamper,
obstruct,
disrupt,
impede,
inhibit,
retard,
balk,
thwart,
foil,
curb,
delay,
set back,
slow down,
hold back,
hold up,
restrict,
restrain,
constrain,
block,
check,
curtail,
frustrate,
cramp,
bridle,
handicap,
cripple,
hamstring,
shackle,
fetter,
encumber,
stymie,
bork,
cumber,
trammel,
