rocking the boat

VERB

disturb the status quo

Synonyms

WEAK

cause trouble challenge the status quo complain disagree disturb disturb the balance make a stink make waves not conform object protest stir things up upset the apple cart

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I left multiple times and walked away from shows because I have money and I don’t mind rocking the boat.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Some people were jerks, clearly unnerved that I was rocking the boat in Washington.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2022

Mayfield has refrained from rocking the boat and saying he deserves to be the starter, even though he has looked sharper than Darnold at training camp.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2022

"I'm leaning towards not rocking the boat because I'm dreading that conversation about renewing and what my new rent will be for the next six months," she told the BBC.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2022

He was rocking the boat, Milo said, and Yossarian nodded once more.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller