overbalance or cause to overbalance and fall, remove (a government or person in authority) from power; overthrow

topple like a house of cards, topple the apple cart, topple off one's perch

topple over, topple down, topple from power

Formal and Informal Expressions of topple

In different contexts, you can replace 'topple' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'overthrow, depose' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'knock over, bring down' is a commonplace synonym.

topple: Explore its Definition & Usage

topple Definition

1overbalance or cause to overbalance and fall
2remove (a government or person in authority) from power; overthrow

Using topple: Examples

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

Example
The strong winds toppled the trees.
Example
The statue toppled over during the earthquake.
Example
The dictator was toppled from power after months of protests.
Example
The company's CEO was toppled by a shareholder revolt.

topple Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for topple

Antonyms for topple

Idioms Using topple

topple like a house of cards
to collapse or fail suddenly and completely
Example
The company's finances were so fragile that they toppled like a house of cards when the economy took a downturn.
topple the apple cart
to upset a plan or situation, often unintentionally
Example
The unexpected announcement from the CEO toppled the apple cart and caused chaos in the company.
topple off one's perch
to lose one's position of power or influence
Example
The aging politician was finally toppled off his perch by a younger, more dynamic opponent.

Phrases with topple

topple over
to fall over or collapse
Example
The stack of books toppled over when I bumped into the table.
topple down
to fall down suddenly and violently
Example
The old building finally toppled down after years of neglect.
topple from power
to remove someone from a position of authority or control
Example
The corrupt government was toppled from power by a popular uprising.

Origins of topple

from Old Norse 'topp', meaning 'tuft of hair'

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Summary: topple in Brief

The verb 'topple' [ˈtɒpl] means to fall over or cause something to fall over, as in 'The strong winds toppled the trees.' It can also mean to remove someone from a position of power or authority, as in 'The dictator was toppled from power after months of protests.' 'Topple' is often used in phrases like 'topple over' and idioms like 'topple like a house of cards,' which means to collapse suddenly and completely.