set or turn (something) on its end or upside down, cause (something) to be in a state of confusion or disarray

upend the applecart, upend the status quo, upend expectations

Formal and Informal Expressions of upend

In different contexts, you can replace 'upend' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'invert, overturn' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flip, turn over' is a commonplace synonym.

upend: Explore its Definition & Usage

upend Definition

1set or turn (something) on its end or upside down
2cause (something) to be in a state of confusion or disarray

Using upend: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "upend" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She upended the box to see what was inside.
Example
The storm upended several trees in the area.
Example
The new manager upended the company's traditional approach to marketing.
Example
The unexpected news upended all our plans.

upend Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for upend

Antonyms for upend

Phrases with upend

upend the applecart
to cause trouble or upset carefully laid plans
Example
The sudden resignation of the CEO upended the applecart for the entire company.
upend the status quo
to disrupt or overthrow the existing state of affairs
Example
The new political party promised to upend the status quo and bring about real change.
upend expectations
to surprise or shock by doing something unexpected
Example
The movie upended expectations by having the villain turn out to be the hero's long-lost brother.

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Summary: upend in Brief

'Upend' [ʌpˈɛnd] means to set or turn something on its end or upside down, or to cause something to be in a state of confusion or disarray. It can refer to physical objects like boxes or trees, as well as abstract concepts like plans or traditions. 'Upend' is often used in phrases like 'upend the applecart,' meaning to cause trouble or upset carefully laid plans, and 'upend expectations,' meaning to surprise or shock by doing something unexpected.