[upset the
applecart] or [upset one's applecart] {v. phr.},{informal} To ruin a plan or
what is being done, often by surprise oraccident; change how things are or are
being done, often unexpectedly;ruin or mix up another person's success or plan
for success.
Johnupset the other team's applecart by hitting a home run in
the lastinning and we won the game.
We are planning a surprise party
forBill, so don't let Mary upset the applecart by telling him before theparty.
Frank thinks he is going to be the boss, but I'll upset hisapplecart the
first chance I get.
Compare: ROCK THE BOAT.
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