Sticks in the wheels of the revolution
Is there some English phrase similar to "He put sticks in the wheels of the revolution"? which mean he disturb something in progress.
"put a monkey wrench in the works" (also just "a wrench" or "a spanner" in British English) is rather similar though the meaning is more like to spoil a plan.
You can also "gum up the works" and "throw sand in the gears". I'm sure there's more.