Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to upset the applecart

idiom

/tʊ ʌpˈsɛt ði ˈæplˌkɑrt/

Definition

To disturb a plan or situation, often leading to trouble or chaos.

Examples

When she revealed the secret, it really upset the applecart for the entire team.
His unexpected decision to leave the project upset the applecart and delayed our timeline.

Meaning

This phrase suggests causing a disruption that negatively affects the original arrangement, much like if an applecart were tipped over, spilling its contents everywhere.