Select the most appropriate phrase to substitute the underlined group of words in the given sentence.
The disgruntled worker threw a spanner in the works.
Select the most appropriate phrase to substitute the underlined group of words in the given sentence.
The disgruntled worker threw a spanner in the works.
Solution
The question is testing for understanding of the idiom "threw a spanner in the works" and its appropriate substitution.
"Threw a spanner in the works" is an idiomatic expression meaning to deliberately disrupt, sabotage, or obstruct a plan, process, or proceedings. It refers to causing problems that prevent smooth functioning, not literal destruction of equipment.
Option 1 → "disrupted the proceedings" - Correctly conveys deliberate interference with a process or plan.
Option 2 → "destroyed the machinery" - Takes the idiom too literally; refers to physical destruction of equipment.
Option 3 → "threw in the towel" - Different idiom meaning to give up or surrender, not disrupt.
Option 4 → "pulled the plug" - Means to stop/end something abruptly, not necessarily sabotage or disrupt maliciously.
Hence, Option 1 is correct as it accurately captures the idiomatic meaning of deliberately disrupting or obstructing proceedings, which is what a disgruntled worker throwing a spanner in the works would do.