upset the applecart

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.

“A Fed hike could upset the applecart in a major way, sucking a lot of capital into the U.S.,” he says.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

But Hearts have upset the applecart this season and Edinburgh's surprise long-time leaders open their post-split schedule with their derby away to Hibernian on Sunday, 26 April.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The US central bank is keen not to upset the applecart but seems to have done so anyway.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2017

Bruce had been using comedy to upset the applecart since his days as a teenage sailor during the Second World War.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2015

Just as I get right into the swing of your hifalutin ways, I go and upset the applecart!

From Patty and Azalea by Wells, Carolyn