- Meaning
- This idiom advises against disrupting a stable, successful, or well-functioning situation, warning that such actions could cause chaos or loss. It suggests preserving the status quo, likened to an apple cart that, if tipped, scatters its contents. The phrase is used in social, business, or family contexts to advocate caution and respect for established systems, often with a conservative or protective tone. It can imply resistance to change but also a practical concern for avoiding unnecessary trouble.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 18th-century England, tied to market life where apple carts were common and upsetting one caused literal disruption. An early use appears in a 1788 *London Chronicle* article: ‘He upset the apple cart with his rash proposal.’ The idiom gained traction in the 19th century, reflecting agrarian and commercial concerns, as seen in Charles Dickens’ *Bleak House* (1853). Its metaphorical use grew in American English during the 19th century, particularly in political contexts, with Mark Twain using it to describe risky reforms. The phrase’s vivid imagery and relevance to stability ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures, especially in business and diplomacy.
- Variants
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- Don’t upset the applecart
- Upset not the apple cart
- Don’t tip the apple cart
- Don’t overturn the apple cart
- Examples
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- Don’t upset the apple cart by changing the schedule now—everyone’s finally settled.
- He upset the applecart with his sudden resignation, leaving the team in disarray.
- Upset not the apple cart; the current system works well enough for now.
- Don’t tip the apple cart with risky investments when the company is stable.
- She was warned not to overturn the apple cart by criticizing the family traditions.
- Don’t upset the applecart—let’s maintain harmony during the merger talks.
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