Upset the Applecart

Etymology:

• This expression came from the word “cart” used in the famous saying by ancient Romans. In the 19th century, the expression was modified by adding “apple”. The modified phrase was used to as a metaphor for ruining the plans that were carefully designed. The expression can be understood by imagining a farmer on a way to market to sell a large pile of apple in a cart. If someone along the way knocks the cart which would spill the apples in the cart. The knock will severely damage the plans of the farmer.