put the cat among the pigeons

The expression put the cat among the pigeons is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the put the cat among the pigeons idiom.

Meaning of "put the cat among the pigeons"

Meaning

The idiom “put the cat among the pigeons” is used to describe a situation in which a change or disturbance has been introduced, which has created a state of confusion, chaos and alarm. It is generally used in a situation where one person has caused disruption, leading to a chaotic reaction in others.

Etymology

The phrase “put the cat among the pigeons” is of unknown origin. The earliest recorded use of the phrase dates back to 1855, where it appears in Thomas Carlyle’s ‘History of the French Revolution’. It is thought that the phrase originated from the sport of ‘shooting at live pigeons’, which was popular in the early 19th century, in which a cat would be used to ‘startle’ the pigeons and cause them to fly up into the air, ready to be shot. The phrase has since evolved to mean ‘to cause trouble, to stir up trouble’, as the cat would ‘stir up’ the pigeons.

Usage

The phrase “put the cat among the pigeons” is a generally used in informal situations and is typically used when talking about an unexpected event or situation that has caused chaos and confusion. For example, a manager may use the phrase when introducing a new policy, which has caused confusion and disruption amongst their employees. It may also be used in a more general sense, such as when describing a political issue that has caused a chaotic reaction or response.

Example Sentences

• The announcement of a pay cut for the whole staff put the cat among the pigeons.
• The introduction of the new tax system has really put the cat among the pigeons.
• The announcement of the merger between the two companies put the cat among the pigeons.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.