PhrasesHub

Upset the apple-cart

    Definitions

      • cause disruption or chaos
        Describe a situation where someone or something causes disorder or confusion, often by disrupting established plans or arrangements

      • ruin something
        Refer to the act of spoiling or ruining a carefully laid out plan or arrangement

    Examples of Upset the apple-cart

    • The unexpected news about the company's financial crisis completely upset the apple-cart, causing chaos and uncertainty among the shareholders.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden and unforeseen event that disrupts the existing order or routine, causing chaos or confusion. It originated from the image of a farm cart carrying apples being overturned, spilling the Apples and creating havoc. In this example, the news of financial crisis upset the stock market stability, causing shareholders to panic and disrupting the normal market cycle.

    • The outspoken employee's criticism of the company's policies during the board meeting suddenly upset the apple-cart, leading to a heated debate and tense arguments.

      In this example, the action of the employee, by criticizing the company's policies, upset the existing order in the board meeting leading to a heated debate and tense arguments.

    • The sudden departure of the company's CEO completely upset the apple-cart, leading to a power struggle and uncertainty among the executive team.

      This idiom is often used to describe a situation where the absence or departure of a significant person in an organization leads to chaos or confusion. In this example, the CEO's sudden departure upset the existing power structure creating a vacuum that led to a struggle for power and uncertainty between the executive team members.

    • The success of the new product completely upset the apple-cart, causing companies in the same industry to rethink their strategies and adapt to the new market conditions.

      This idiom is also used to indicate a sudden and unforeseen change in the market or industry, upsetting the existing order and forcing competitors to adapt. In this example, the success of the new product upset the market equilibrium compelling competitors to reassess their strategies and adapt to the new market conditions.

    • John's sudden resignation from the company has really upset the apple-cart of the management.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden and unexpected event that disrupts a well-established or structured situation. In this case, John's resignation has caused chaos and confusion among the management team, who were previously working smoothly.

    • The protestors' defiance of the authority has really upset the apple-cart of the government.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a group of people challenge or oppose the authority or status quo, resulting in disturbance and chaos. In this case, the protestors' defiance has caused the government to lose control and disrupt the normal functioning of the system.

    • Sarah's drastic decision to leave her husband and kids has really upset the apple-cart of her entire family.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a person's unexpected or drastic decision results in disruption and chaos in their personal or family life. In this case, Sarah's decision to leave her husband and kids has caused confusion and emotional turmoil within her family, disrupting their established routine and dynamic.

    • The new initiative introduced by the company has really upset the apple-cart of the competitors.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a new development or innovation introduced by a company disrupts the established practices or systems of its competitors in the market, causing confusion and chaos. In this case, the new initiative introduced by the company has caused disruption in the market, catching its competitors off guard and upsetting the established order.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "upset the apple-cart" is used to convey the idea of causing disruption or chaos, often by ruining a carefully laid out plan or arrangement. It can be used to describe situations where someone or something disrupts established plans or arrangements, leading to disorder or confusion.

    People use this idiom to caution against causing unnecessary disruption or ruining carefully laid out plans. It serves as a warning to consider the potential negative consequences of one's actions and to proceed with caution in order to avoid causing chaos or disorder.

    Origin of "Upset the apple-cart"

    The origin of the idiom "upset the apple-cart" dates back to the 18th century, when carts filled with apples were a common sight in marketplaces. These carts were carefully arranged to display the apples, and any disturbance could cause the apples to fall and the cart to overturn, leading to chaos and disorder.

    The idiom became popular as a metaphor for causing disruption or chaos, drawing on the imagery of the apple-cart being upset and the resulting disorder. Over time, it has evolved to be used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of ruining carefully laid out plans or arrangements. The idiom has stood the test of time and continues to be used in modern English to caution against causing unnecessary disruption or chaos.