throw/Put a spanner in the works

[Mmustafa]

< throw/Put a spanner in the works >

Hi all,
Would you please tell me whether this expression is commonly used.
Are there common alternatives?
Thanks

 

[bibliolept]

It is commonly used. In America, we might say "throw/throwing a wrench into something." A related phrase is "monkey wrench."

to throw a monkey-wrench
monkey wrench

 

[la grive solitaire]

In AE, I know it as to throw a wrench into the works= to mess something up

 

[Mmustafa]

Thanks so much, Bibliolept, the two links answered a lot of questions I had.
Thank you very much lagrive for the contribution.

 

[panjandrum]

It is of course a spanner that is thrown in the works in BE.