On this show we explore common expressions in American English . Today we take our show on the water on a boat – or at least a make-believe one ! You have probably seen a boat before . Watching one move through the water can be really fun . On the water , boats move with a grace similar to that of a plane in the air . If you are lucky , you may have even sailed in a boat . However , not everyone enjoys being in a boat . In fact , many people get sick from the rocking motion of a boat . When boats are on calm water , the water moves it back and forth , back and forth , back and forth . This can cause many people to get seasick . And that brings us to today's expression : rock the boat . This means to cause problems for other members of a group . When you rock the boat , you do or say something that causes change . Now , we usually “rock the boat ” in a negative way . Used this way , it means to cause trouble usually by changing something . But you can also rock the boat in a positive way . Another meaning of “rock the boat ” is to question the status quo , or the usual way of doing things . So , if a situation is no longer healthy or good – then making changes is a good thing ! For example , one job of the media is to sometimes rock the government's boat . You know , shake things up a little . The expression "rock the boat " has been used since the early 1900s . And it should come as no surprise that it comes from boating . Imagine that you and a friend are at sea in a small boat . Suddenly you get up and start moving your weight from side to side . Naturally , the boat starts rocking . Your rocking of the boat does not just affect you . It also affects your friend . She starts to feel seasick . But you don't seem to care . You just keep on rocking the boat . And you rock it so hard , that it overturns . You and your friend end up in the water . So , you were both fine in the boat before you started rocking it . Now with both of you in the water , the situation is worse . It is worth noting that another expression means about the same thing and has a similar history : to make waves . The rocking of a boat is caused by waves in the water . In life when you make waves , you change the usual way of doing things . Again , this can be good or bad . So , that is where these expressions come from . Now , let's hear how to use them . Two co-workers , Marissa and Thomas , are heading into a meeting at the chocolate company . That's a big binder . What's in it ? This binder has all my suggestions . Suggestions … on what ? Suggestions on how to improve our overall chocolate products , customer service , production , delivery systems ... all without increasing our costs ! Those are a lot of suggestions . You know , now may not be the best time . The economy is tanking . And everyone here is really happy . What are you saying ? Well , maybe now is not a good time to rock the boat . Things aren't great . But they are pretty good . That's what I mean . Why be okay when you can be great ? Now is a perfect time to rock the boat ! Let's challenge the status quo ! You've only been here a week . Why don't you observe and learn a little more before you make waves ? You know , that's good idea . I can always present my suggestions next week .