[rock] the boat
1
to provoke problems with something that one does or says
The idiom "rock the boat" originated from the nautical world, specifically from the idea of causing disturbance or instability on a boat. It refers to any action or behavior that creates tension, disrupts harmony, or challenges the status quo within a group or organization. The idiom is used to suggest that by challenging existing norms or expressing dissenting opinions, one risks causing conflict or upsetting the balance.
- She wasn't one to rock the boat, preferring to keep things low-key and drama-free.
- I had rocked the boat by questioning the CEO's leadership at the last board meeting.
- The new employee was afraid of rocking the boat when they started the job.
- By tomorrow, the situation will have been rocked if word of the scandal gets out.
- The boat would not have been rocked if we had just gone with the agreed-upon plan.