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Put a spoke in somebody’s wheel

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Intentional Sabotage

The phrase often implies someone intentionally causing trouble to ruin another's plans.

Illustration for Intentional Sabotage
The team was doing well until an envious colleague put a spoke in their wheel.
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Unexpected Obstacles

It can also mean unexpected obstacles that appear, not necessarily caused by someone.

Illustration for Unexpected Obstacles
A sudden thunderstorm really put a spoke in the wheel of the outdoor event.
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Figurative Use

Understand that the phrase is figurative and does not involve actual wheels or spokes.

Illustration for Figurative Use
When she contradicted me in the meeting, it felt like she put a spoke in my wheel.
Visual representation of the word "Put a spoke in somebody’s wheel"

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