English
Pronunciation
sp�n'�(r), /spæn��(r)/, /sp{n'@(r)/
audio|en-us-spanner.ogg|Audio (US)
Rhymes: Rhymes:English:-æn�(r)|-æn�(r)
Etymology
-er|span
Noun
wikipedia|spanner|spanner (hand tool)
en-noun
- UK A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
#: Pass me that spanner, Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.
- (Weapon) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
#:Quotations
#:*1786, Fig. 10. The spanner for spanning or winding up the spring of the wheel lock. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page xvi.
- idiom (UK) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome
#: Half way through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.
- context|UK|mildly|derogatory A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
#: You spanner, Rodney! I wanted a Chinese, not an Indian!
Synonyms
wrench (US)
Translations
trans-top|hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts
Czech: klÃÄ� m
Finnish: kiintoavain
German: Schraubenschlüssel m
trans-mid
Russian: гае�н�й кл�� (gáje�nyj kl'ú�) m
trans-bottom
Translations to be checked
checktrans
ttbc|French: clef à écrous f
ttbc|Maltese: spaner m
ttbc|Romanian: cheie fixa
Related terms
adjustable spanner
spanner barb
throw a spanner in the works
Category:Tools
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