rock the boat
To disturb the status quo or go against rules or conventions, as in an effort to get attention.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please do not rock the boat during the meeting.”
“He knew the new policy was unfair, but he decided not to rock the boat while he was still on probation.”
“Although the committee members privately disagreed with the chairperson, they chose not to rock the boat, fearing that any dissent would jeopardize the entire project.”
- 01
boy in the boat
The human clitoris.
- 02
float someone's boat
To interest or appeal to someone; to make someone happy.
- 03
fresh off the boat
Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of their new environment.
- 04
get in the boat and row
To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.
- 05
hit rock bottom
To reach the lowest possible state in one's life.
- 06
hit the rocks
To reach a low point in one's pursuits.
- 07
in the same boat
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
- 08
kick rocks
To leave or run away; to skedaddle; to waste one's own time (with some other meaningless task) rather than waste the speaker's time with something equally irritating or pointless. (often used imperatively and dismissively).
Last updated August 10, 2026