The idiom "upset the apple cart" means to cause a disturbance or upset a situation that was previously stable or well-established. It can also mean to ruin someone's plans or expectations.
The origin of this idiom comes from the literal meaning of upsetting a cart full of apples, which would cause chaos and disorder. It is believed to have originated in the early 1800s in Britain, where apple carts were a common sight in markets and streets.
You can use this idiom in various situations. For example, if someone suddenly changes their plans and it causes confusion or inconvenience for others, you can say that they have upset the apple cart. Similarly, if someone interferes with a well-established system or process, causing chaos and confusion, you can use this idiom.
Here's an example: "The new manager's decision to change the company's policies upset the apple cart and caused a lot of confusion among the employees."
In short, "upset the apple cart" is an idiom that means to cause chaos or disruption by interfering with a stable situation or plan.
• The new manager's radical ideas have upset the apple cart in the department.
• The unexpected resignation of the CEO upset the apple cart in the company's plans for expansion.
• I accidentally upset the apple cart when I bumped into the table.
• The sudden change in the economy has upset the apple cart for many businesses.
• The discovery of fraudulent activity within the government has upset the apple cart of the entire political system.
• The company's decision to change their policies really upset the apple cart for many employees.