Example: Der plötzliche Regen machte uns einen Strich durch die Rechnung.
Definition
"Einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen" means to unexpectedly ruin or disrupt someone's plans or intentions, causing them to fail or be thwarted. For example, sudden rain can 'make a line through the calculation' by spoiling planned activities.
Translations
throw a wrench in the works
aguar los planes
roet in het eten gooien
esguerrar els plans
mettre des bâtons dans les roues
Etymology
The phrase "einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen" literally means 'to make a line through the calculation.' It originates from the idea of crossing out a number or a calculation line to indicate cancellation or error. Did you know? This expression humorously captures the frustration of having one's careful plans invalidated by an unforeseen event.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Einen Strich durch die Rechnung machen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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throw a wrench in the works