What is a left-handed monkey wrench?

A fictional tool, typically used to trick someone who is new to a field or industry. If you want to mess with the new kid, ask him to go get you a left-handed monkey wrench, then watch him scour the truck for the next hour looking for one.

What do monkey wrenches symbolize?

Associated with railroading in the nineteenth century, the monkey wrench symbolizes industrial progress. Later in the twentieth century, the monkey wrench became a symbol of environmental resistance to industrial progress.

What is the origin of the phrase monkey wrench?

A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench or spanner. And to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery is a metaphor for disrupting something, a metaphor of throwing a heavy metal object into machinery. The term originated in Britain, although nowadays it’s primarily found in North American speech and writing.

What is the proper term for a monkey wrench?

noun. Also called, especially British, adjustable spanner. a wrench having an adjustable jaw permitting it to grasp nuts or the like of different sizes.

When people throw a wrench in your plans?

Definition of ‘throw a wrench’ If someone throws a wrench or throws a monkey wrench into a process, they prevent something happening smoothly by deliberately causing a problem. The decision will throw a monkey wrench into our efforts to develop a national broadband policy.

Who uses monkey wrench?

They are still widely used by antique dealers and collectors since they’re best suited to the materials involved. Monkey wrenches have an F-shaped design with a fixed upper jaw and movable lower jaw. The wrench’s handle is a flat piece of iron, usually 24 inches (60 cm) long.

What does throwing a wrench into mean?

US, informal. : to damage or change (something) in a way that ruins it or prevents it from working properly We were going to renew our lease, but the landlord threw a wrench into the works by increasing the rent.

Why are they called Stilsons?

The Stillson wrench, or Stillson-pattern wrench, is the usual form of pipe wrench, especially in North America. The Stillson name is that of the original patent holder, who licensed the design to a number of manufacturers.

What means to throw a wrench?

If someone throws a wrench or throws a monkey wrench into a process, they prevent something happening smoothly by deliberately causing a problem. [US] They threw a giant monkey wrench into the process by raising all sorts of petty objections. [ + into]

Whats the difference between a wrench and a monkey wrench?

The Pipe wrench is designed for the grip and turn round soft metal pipes as it has serrated teeth on both jaws while The monkey wrench is designed for the Nut/Bolt as both jaws are flat.

Is wrench an insult?

Definitions include: a general insult, usually applied to females. Definitions include: a whore – i.e. a promiscuous (usually female) person, or an actual prostitute (usually female) – who is not doing well financially.

What does wrench in the gears mean?

If someone or something throws a wrench into the works or throws a monkey wrench into the works, they cause problems which prevent something from happening in the way that was planned.