“Spanner” (llave inglesa) you may know. It is an adjustable tool for turning bolts. In English there is also a “box spanner” (llave tubo) which is not normally adjustable (ajustable).
However, there is an expression. If a mortal throws a “spanner in the works” he causes disruption or chaos. Two examples:
• Mr. Morales is happy that the EU has put a spanner in the works (ha puesto trabas …) re Brexit.
• The EU continues to throw spanners in the works (no para de levantar obstáculos) in its relationship with Britain.
Have you ever thrown a spanner in the works?
