Upset the Applecart Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises

Have you ever been in a situation where you were doing something the right way and were almost going to complete it, but suddenly it all went wrong? The idiom ‘upset the applecart’ or ‘topple your applecart’ defines such a situation perfectly. It paints a picture of unexpected disruption and can be used to describe unpredictable situations or challenges in IELTS Speaking.

In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom ‘upset the applecart’, and provide practice exercises to master it appropriately.

Upset the Applecart Idiom: Meaning

The idiom ‘upset the applecart’ means to spoil carefully made plans, cause disruption, or create unnecessary problems.

It often refers to someone unintentionally or deliberately ruining a situation. It has a negative connotation because it suggests disturbance in what was otherwise orderly.

Origin of Upset the Applecart Idiom

The idiom dates back to the 18th century and is believed to have originated in Britain. The phrase draws from a literal image of an apple cart being overturned, all the apples scatter, symbolizing disorder.

• First recorded: Early 1700s, but gained popularity in the 19th century.
• Literary references: It was used in writings to describe political or social disruptions.
• Modern usage: Still relevant today, especially in business, politics, and everyday conversations.

Upset the Applecart Idiom Usage

Here are some examples of how the idiom, upset the applecart, can be used in daily conversations.

• “Remember to give me your report on Monday. You don’t want to upset the applecart, do you?.”
• “I’m so sorry because of my mistakes. I definitely upset the applecart.”
• His sudden resignation upset the applecart of the entire project team.
• Changing the rules at the last minute will only upset the applecart of the tournament schedule.
• Historians note that early trade conflicts often upset the applecart of international relations.
• The CEO’s sudden announcement upset the applecart, leaving employees confused about their roles.
• The new curriculum changes upset the applecart of traditional teaching methods.

Upset the Applecart Idiom: Synonyms and Related Phrases

In the table below, you will find some of the best phrases to use in IELTS Speaking related to the idiom ‘upset the applecart’.

Upset the Applecart Idiom: Detailed Usage in IELTS Contexts

The idiom ‘upset the applecart’ is widely used in conversations, business meetings, literature, and even IELTS speaking/writing responses when discussing unexpected challenges or disruptions to plans.

Let us explore a few different ways in which this idiom can be applied effectively across IELTS contexts through the sample answers given below.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when your plans didn’t go as expected.
• Answer Excerpt: “Last year, I had planned a weekend trip with my friends. However, one of them fell sick at the last moment, which completely upset the applecart. We had to cancel everything, and it taught me how unpredictable life can be.”

IELTS Writing Task 2

• Question: Some people believe that technological advancements always bring progress, while others think they often cause disruption. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Answer Excerpt: While innovations undoubtedly benefit society, they can also upset the applecart of traditional systems. For instance, online shopping has led to the decline of many small local businesses.

Upset the Applecart Idiom: Practice Exercise

In the exercises below, you will understand the idiom better and learn how to properly use the idiom 'upset the applecart' to apply it appropriately.

1 Which situation best illustrates the idiom ‘upset the applecart’?

A Organizing apples neatly in a cart.

B Unexpectedly cancelling a wedding at the last moment.

C Successfully finishing a project ahead of schedule.

D Eating apples with friends.

2 In a business context, to upset the applecart means:

A To make smooth progress.

B To cause disruption or spoil plans.

C To motivate employees.

D To expand the company.

3 Which synonym is closest to ‘upset the applecart’?

A Maintain balance

B Create harmony

C Derail plans

D Strengthen unity

4 Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?

A He upset the applecart by bringing more fruits.

B Her sudden outburst upset the applecart during the negotiation.

C We upset the applecart when we arranged them in order.

D He upset the applecart by fixing the problem quickly.

5 In IELTS Writing, which sentence is a correct application?

A The government’s quick reforms upset the applecart of corruption control.

B The sudden ban on plastic upset the applecart of small vendors who had no alternatives prepared.

C The community upset the applecart by celebrating together.

D The applecart was upset when the apples were eaten.

Upset the Applecart Idiom: Answer Key for Practice Exercise

1 B

2 B

3 C

4 B

5 B

In conclusion, the idiom ‘upset the applecart’ is a timeless expression that perfectly captures the idea of disrupted plans and unexpected troubles. Mastering idioms like upset the applecart not only improves fluency but also boosts your confidence in real-life communication. So next time someone messes up a well-laid plan or you want to describe an unexpected disruption while taking an IELTS practice test, you will know exactly how to describe it!

Useful Links:

• Tough It Out Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises 
• Monkey Business Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• Done to a Turn Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• Useful Resources & Websites for IELTS Vocabulary
• The More You Read, The Better You Write: Band 8+ Tip for IELTS Writing
• Mind Maps to Improve Your IELTS Vocabulary