upset the applecart

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[upset the applecart] or [upset one's applecart] {v. phr.}, {informal} To ruin a plan or what is being done, often by surprise or accident; change how things are or are being done, often unexpectedly; ruin or mix up another person's success or plan for success.

* /John upset the other team's applecart by hitting a home run in the last inning and we won the game./

* /We are planning a surprise party for Bill, so don't let Mary upset the applecart by telling him before the party./

* /Frank thinks he is going to be the boss, but I'll upset his applecart the first chance I get./

Compare: ROCK THE BOAT.

Tags:


	disappointment ² success ⁶⁶ {informal} ¹⁴⁰¹ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸³

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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	See also »
	applecart [applecart] See: UPSET THE APPLECART or UPSET ONE'S APPLECART. A Dictionary of American Idioms rock the boat [rock the boat] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make trouble and risk losing or upsetting something; ... A Dictionary of American Idioms take it out on [take it out on] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be unpleasant or unkind to (someone) because ... A Dictionary of American Idioms in the least [in the least] {adv. phr.} Even a little; in any degree or amount. - Used ... A Dictionary of American Idioms cross up [cross up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To block or upset; throw into confusion or disorder. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms plan on [plan on] {v.} 1. To have the plan of; have in mind. - Used with ... A Dictionary of American Idioms bowl over [bowl over] {v.}, {informal} 1. To knock down as if with a bowled ball. * ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

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