What is the meaning of "rock the boat"

[Chelsy]

Dear Alan,

what is the meaning of rock the boat

Chelsy

[Alan]

Hi,

This expression has the sense of trying to upset the way in which things are run by making different suggestions. If you are part of a team, you should work with the other members of the team but if you are always challenging the way things are done, you are rocking the boat. This comes from the idea of being part of a team of people rowing a boat. If you row at a different speed, it is possible that the boat will rock from side to side and possibly sink.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Womens' Day

[Mister Micawber]

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Or if you are foolish enough to stand up and change your position in a small boat, you will rock it dangerously.

"Do not upset people by trying to change a situation." The idiom is often used by those who fear change.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's