put a spoke in someone's wheel
British Prevent someone from carrying out a plan.His position as deputy manager of a State tobacco company might have put a spoke in the judge's wheel, thwarting his plan to proceed in accordance with the law....- And here's a comment from a LibDem voter: ‘I always thought he was a good MP but you have put a spoke in his wheel.’
- He said: ‘There has been a bit of needle between the tracks in the past and I would love to put a spoke in their wheel.’
See parent entry: spoke