Spanner

/ˈspænər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A tool used for gripping, fastening, or turning a nut or bolt.

I grabbed a spanner to tighten the loose bolts on the car.

A wrench that has a specific shape for turning fasteners.

He used a large adjustable spanner to fix the plumbing issue.

In British informal usage, refers to a situation or thing that causes difficulty or frustration.

The unexpected changes to the schedule were a real spanner in the works.

Late Middle English: from a variant of ‘span’ in the sense of ‘to span a bolt’.

spanner in the works

An unexpected problem or complication.

wrench

A tool used for gripping and turning objects, usually similar to a spanner.

socket

A receptacle for a tool, often used in conjunction with a wrench.

A term used to describe a clumsy person.

Don't be such a spanner, you're making a mess of things!

Someone who causes disruption or trouble.

He was a real spanner at the meeting, bringing up unrelated issues.