The idiom "throw a wrench into" means to cause a problem or disruption that interrupts a plan or situation. It is often used to describe a situation where something unexpected happens that makes it difficult to continue with a plan or project.
For example, imagine you and your friends are planning a road trip, and everything is going smoothly until one of your friends suddenly decides they can't come. This unexpected change could be described as "throwing a wrench into" your plans because it creates a problem that you need to solve before you can continue with your trip.
Another example could be a work project that is going well until a key team member suddenly quits. This could "throw a wrench into" the project because it creates a disruption that needs to be addressed before the project can continue.
In short, "throw a wrench into" is a slang expression that describes an unexpected problem or disruption that interrupts a plan or situation.
• The discovery of a major security flaw threw a wrench into the company's plans to launch their new product.
• The company's sudden decision to cut the budget threw a wrench into the project timeline.
• The pandemic has thrown a wrench into many people's travel plans.
• The unexpected rain really threw a wrench into our outdoor picnic plans.
• The political scandal threw a wrench into the government's plans for economic reform.
• I was going to cook dinner, but I accidentally threw a wrench into my plans when I realized I didn't have any vegetables.