Question:
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “To upset the apple cart.”
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “To upset the apple cart.”
Show Hint
Imagine a cart beautifully stacked with apples.
If the cart is tipped over (upset), all the careful work and planning are instantly ruined.
This mental image will help you remember that the idiom means to ruin a plan.
If the cart is tipped over (upset), all the careful work and planning are instantly ruined.
This mental image will help you remember that the idiom means to ruin a plan.
Updated On: May 27, 2026
- To arrange things properly
- To spoil a plan or create trouble
- To earn huge profits
- To behave foolishly
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question requires us to determine the true figurative meaning of the idiomatic expression “To upset the apple cart”.
To find the correct answer, we can look at the visual imagery and the historical usage of the phrase.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The idiom “to upset the apple cart” dates back to the late 18th century.
2. The literal imagery is of a cart carefully loaded with neat rows of apples ready to be sold at a market.
3. If someone knocks over or “upsets” (which historically meant to overturn) the cart, all the carefully arranged apples roll away in disorder, ruining the seller's preparation, plan, and business for the day.
4. Figuratively, therefore, “to upset the apple cart” means to ruin a carefully prepared plan, to disturb the status quo, or to cause trouble and disruption where things were going smoothly.
5. Let us review the given choices:
- Option (A) “To arrange things properly” is the opposite of the idiom's meaning, as overturning a cart creates chaos rather than order. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- Option (B) “To spoil a plan or create trouble” is the correct figurative interpretation of the phrase. For example: “Everything was going according to our schedule until John upset the apple cart by resigning.”
- Option (C) “To earn huge profits” is unrelated to the idiom. Idioms like “to bring home the bacon” or “to make a killing” refer to making profits. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- Option (D) “To behave foolishly” is incorrect. While upsetting a cart might seem clumsy, the idiom specifically focuses on the disruption of a plan rather than individual foolishness.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is (B).
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