Also called spanner wrench. a wrench having a curved head with a hook or pin at one end for engaging notches or holes in collars, certain kinds of nuts, etc.
For example, he says, radio waves could be used to make a scaled-up version of an optical spanner.
Ok, not to put a spanner in the works, but these scientists do not truly understand the power of the atom.
Mike made an excellent point about his behaviour not necessarily being rational, which does rather throw a spanner in the works.
In doing so, it may have thrown a spanner into the works of the world's computer models of the climate.
If true, that is a spanner in the works for those designing quantum gravity.
Obstreperous local authorities could still put a spanner in the works.
Some disabled drivers use what is called a spanner bar to help them steer.
British Dictionary definitions for spanner
spanner
/ˈspænə/
noun
1.
a steel hand tool with a handle carrying jaws or a hole of particular shape designed to grip a nut or bolt head
2.
(Brit, informal) a source of impediment or annoyance (esp in the phrase throw a spanner in the works)
Word Origin
C17: from German, from spannen to stretch, span1
Word Origin and History for spanner
n.
1630s, a tool for winding the spring of a wheel-lock firearm, from German Spanner, from spannen (see span (v.)). Meaning "wrench" is from 1790. Figurative phrase spanner in the works attested from 1921 (Wodehouse).