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]
(..) DOC: The consequences could be disastrous. OTHER DOC: Excuse me, sir. Yes, you with the hat. - Who, me? - Yes. Be a pal and hand me a five-eighths inch wrench from the toolbox. Five-eighths? Don't you mean three-quarters? Why, you're right. I presume you're conducting (..)1989 Back to the Future Part II