rocked the boat
Disturbed the peace
Rocked the boat means to disturb a stable situation or cause trouble by challenging the status quo.
The image is of someone moving carelessly in a small vessel, endangering everyone aboard.
It usually appears in the negative—someone who doesn't want to rock the boat avoids making waves or raising controversial issues: She had concerns about the policy but decided not to rock the boat.
- waveOscillating motion through medium
- made wavesCaused notable disturbance
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- caused a stirProvoked public attention
- controversyProlonged public disagreement
stirred the pot · shake-up · upheaval · upset the apple cart · dissent · broke ranks · sway · conflict · uncertainty · tilt · complacency · innovation · spoke out · repercussions · pitch · status quo · resistance · backlash
rocked the boattoed the line
Adhered to standards
went with the flow · fell in line · went along to get along · followed the crowd · kept one's head down
rocked the boatkept the peace
Maintained order and calm
poured oil on troubled waters · played nice · let sleeping dogs lie · turned a blind eye
rock, rocked, rocking, rocks, rocker, rocky, boat, boats, boating