spanner

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span|ner /sp'ænər/ (spanners)
1 [N-COUNT]
A spanner is a metal tool whose end fits round a nut so that you can turn it to loosen or tighten it. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use wrench, monkey wrench)
2 [PHRASE] V inflects
If someone throws a spanner in the works, they prevent something happening smoothly in the way that it was planned, by causing a problem or difficulty. (BRIT; in AM, use throw a wrench, throw a monkey wrench)
A bad result is sure to throw a spanner in the works.

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