Put a spoke in somebody’s wheel
phrase
To interfere with someone's plans or progress.
Even though I worked hard preparing for the school play, my rival tried to put a spoke in my wheel by spreading rumors about me.
Often appears as...
- put a spoke in his wheel
- put a spoke in her wheel
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To interfere with someone's plans or progress.
Even though I worked hard preparing for the school play, my rival tried to put a spoke in my wheel by spreading rumors about me.
Often appears as...
- put a spoke in his wheel
- put a spoke in her wheel
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Intentional Sabotage
The phrase often implies someone intentionally causing trouble to ruin another's plans.
The team was doing well until an envious colleague put a spoke in their wheel.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Obstacles
It can also mean unexpected obstacles that appear, not necessarily caused by someone.
A sudden thunderstorm really put a spoke in the wheel of the outdoor event.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Understand that the phrase is figurative and does not involve actual wheels or spokes.
When she contradicted me in the meeting, it felt like she put a spoke in my wheel.
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