Upset the apple cart
idiom
To spoil a situation or plan.
When Bob arrived late, he upset the apple cart because we had to start the meeting again for him.
Often appears as...
- upset someone's apple cart
- don't upset the apple cart
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
idiom
To spoil a situation or plan.
When Bob arrived late, he upset the apple cart because we had to start the meeting again for him.
Often appears as...
- upset someone's apple cart
- don't upset the apple cart
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
Use when someone's actions unexpectedly change the course of events or plans.
Jane came in with a new proposal and totally upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
Often used to describe actions that result in negative outcomes or chaos.
Trying to change the rules now would upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 3/3Proceed Carefully
Suggests being cautious to not disturb a balanced situation or relationship.
I don't want to upset the apple cart by asking for too many changes.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
Use when someone's actions unexpectedly change the course of events or plans.
Jane came in with a new proposal and totally upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
Often used to describe actions that result in negative outcomes or chaos.
Trying to change the rules now would upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 3/3Proceed Carefully
Suggests being cautious to not disturb a balanced situation or relationship.
I don't want to upset the apple cart by asking for too many changes.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Change
Use when someone's actions unexpectedly change the course of events or plans.
Jane came in with a new proposal and totally upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
Often used to describe actions that result in negative outcomes or chaos.
Trying to change the rules now would upset the apple cart.
Pro Tip 3/3Proceed Carefully
Suggests being cautious to not disturb a balanced situation or relationship.
I don't want to upset the apple cart by asking for too many changes.
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