We were going to renew our lease, but the landlord 'threw a wrench into the works' [=('Brit') 'threw a spanner into the works'] by increasing the rent.
The storm 'threw a monkey wrench into' their plans for a picnic. [=the storm ruined their plans for a picnic]
an emotionally 'wrenching' experience [=a very sad/painful experience]
(..) All the brain-bots certainly missed you, sir. Did you miss your daddy? Whose the menacing little brains? You are, yes you are. Uh, uh! No biting, no, no, no. - No, no, no. You want the wrench? Go get the wrench. Now, back to work. She's awake, Quick, to work. - Miss Ritchi, we meet again. (..)2010 Megamind