applecart
Scheme to topple
An applecart is a cart for selling apples, but the word exists almost entirely in the idiom upset the applecart—to disrupt a plan or spoil a satisfactory arrangement.
The image is of someone knocking over a vendor's carefully arranged display, ruining their work and scattering produce everywhere.
One who sells goods
- produceMake or manufacture
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- fruitEdible plant ovary
- freshNewly made, not stale
trade · merchant · peddler · street · cobblestone · wooden · wheelbarrow · basket
Disturb, topple, or shock
- plansIntended courses of action
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- equilibriumState of balance
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
order · stability · expectations · predictability · disruption · interference · shake-up · upheaval
vendor
One who sells goods
fresh · trade · merchant · peddler · street · cobblestone · wooden · wheelbarrow · basket · crates
upset
Disturb, topple, or shock
- plansIntended courses of action
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- equilibriumState of balance
balance · order · stability · expectations · predictability · disruption · interference · shake-up · upheaval · chaos
spill
Accidental liquid release
collapse · accident · mishap · tip · capsize · fall · disarray · crash · wreck · chaos
applecartchaos
Complete disorder and confusion
disorder · disruption · upheaval · mess · turmoil
applecartfortress
Heavily defended military structure
stronghold · bedrock · rock · foundation · pillar
applecartwrench in the works
Unexpected complication derailing plans
spanner in the works · monkey wrench · bull in a china shop · loose cannon · wrecking ball
- upsets the applecartDisturbs established order
- upsetting the applecartSpoiling existing arrangements