monkey wrench

Signification (Anglais)

Noun

1. A wrench (spanner) with an adjustable jaw.
2. (figuratively) An unexpected or troublesome problem, obstacle or dilemma.

Verb

1. To apply a monkey wrench, e.g. to tighten or loosen nuts.
2. (idiomatic) To introduce problems, to create unexpected trouble, to sabotage.

Concepts

clé anglaise

clef anglaise

clé

🔑

clef

clé à molette

clef anglaise clé anglaise

Synonymes

adjustable spanner

monkey-wrench

crescent wrench

shifting spanner

adjustable wrench

grip wrench

motor wrench pipe dog

pipe spanner wrench

spanner

wrench

🔧

Stillson wrench

pipe tongs

Traductions

llave inglesa

chiave inglese

🔧

Universalschraubenschlüssel

Engländer

clau anglesa

🔧

Franzose

γαλλικό κλειδί

Schraubenschlüssel

Engelse sleutel

turquesa

chave de grifo

Rollgabelschlüssel

chiave giratubi

chave-inglesa

Étymologie (Anglais)

Already in use, and not unfamiliar among mechanics, by 1832; see discussion and references at Monkey wrench § Etymology and history.