monkey wrench

Meaning

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.

Synonyms

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

Translations

llave inglesa

chiave inglese

🔧

clé anglaise

Universalschraubenschlüssel

Engländer

Franzose

clef anglaise

clau anglesa

🔧

Rollgabelschlüssel

turquesa

clé

🔑

γαλλικό κλειδί

Schraubenschlüssel

Engelse sleutel

Etymology

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