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Rock the Boat

What Does "Rock the Boat" Mean?

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"Rock the boat" is an English idiom. It means "to disrupt or challenge the status quo, established norms, or a stable situation, often causing tension, conflict, or resistance."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "rock the boat" used in a sentence:
  • While he had valid concerns, he was hesitant to rock the boat and speak out against the company's practices.
  • Advocates for change often face resistance from those who are comfortable and don't want to rock the boat.
  • Sometimes, it's necessary to rock the boat to address issues and bring about positive change.
meaning for rock the boat

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Rock the Boat" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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