When preparing for the IELTS exam, expanding your vocabulary with idiomatic expressions can be incredibly beneficial. Today, we’ll delve into the phrase “throw a wrench in the works.” This phrase, along with several related expressions, can enrich your language use, making your speaking and writing more engaging.
What Does “Throw a Wrench in the Works” Mean?
Definition and Pronunciation
Throw a wrench in the works (verb phrase) /θroʊ ə rɛntʃ ɪn ðə wɜrks/
- Meaning: To cause a problem or difficulty that prevents something from happening as planned.
- Synonyms: Disrupt, interfere, sabotage, impede.
Example Sentence:
- Everything was going smoothly until John threw a wrench in the works by quitting unexpectedly.
Từ Đồng Nghĩa và Trái Nghĩa (Synonyms and Antonyms)
Synonyms:
- Disrupt (/dɪsˈrʌpt/): The sudden power outage disrupted the meeting.
- Interfere (/ˌɪntərˈfɪr/): She always interferes in other people’s business.
- Sabotage (/ˈsæbəˌtɑʒ/): The rival company tried to sabotage the project.
- Hinder (/ˈhɪndər/): The rain hindered our progress on the construction site.
Antonyms:
- Facilitate (/fəˈsɪləˌteɪt/): The new software will facilitate faster data processing.
- Support (/səˈpɔrt/): His family supported his decision to study abroad.
- Aid (/eɪd/): International aid helped the country recover from the disaster.
Throw a wrench in the works
Analyzing the Idiom for IELTS
Commonality in IELTS Exams
“Throw a wrench in the works” primarily appears in the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam. It can be especially useful when discussing unforeseen issues or challenges. Knowing such idioms can help you stand out and demonstrate your command of English.
Speaking Section Example
Question: Describe a time when something didn’t go as planned.
Answer: I was organizing a group project, and everything was proceeding smoothly until one member threw a wrench in the works by not completing their part on time.
Writing Section Example
Task 2 Prompt: Some people believe that technology can solve all our environmental problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer: While technology offers many solutions, relying solely on it can be risky. For instance, unforeseen technical malfunctions can throw a wrench in the works, delaying progress and causing additional issues.
Integrating Idioms and Phrases
Understanding how to seamlessly integrate idiomatic expressions like “throw a wrench in the works” into your speech and writing can make your responses more compelling. Here are additional examples:
- Project Deadlines: We were on track to meet the deadline, but a last-minute requirement threw a wrench in the works.
- Travel Plans: Our vacation plans were perfect until the bad weather threw a wrench in the works.
- Business: The new policy has thrown a wrench in the works of many small businesses.
- Personal Life: We were ready to move into our new house when financial issues threw a wrench in the works.
- Technology: Updating the system might throw a wrench in the works if not done properly.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Rock the boat: To disturb the smooth running of something.
- Example: He didn’t want to rock the boat by voicing his concerns.
- Upset the apple cart: To disrupt plans or arrangements.
- Example: Changing the venue at the last minute really upset the apple cart.
- Cause a stir: To create a disturbance or controversy.
- Example: Her new book has caused a stir in literary circles.
- Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
- Example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
- Throw a spanner in the works: Another way to say “throw a wrench in the works.”
- Example: The unexpected audit threw a spanner in the works of their financial plans.
Conclusion
Incorporating idiomatic expressions like “throw a wrench in the works” can greatly enhance your IELTS performance. By understanding its meaning, usage, and related expressions, you can effectively apply this phrase in both speaking and writing tasks. Remember to practice using these idioms in context to ensure they sound natural in your responses. Happy studying!