What does “Cat among the pigeons” mean?
"Cat among the pigeons" means to cause trouble or create a disturbance in a calm or peaceful situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His unexpected arrival at the meeting was like throwing a cat among the pigeons.
Example
The controversial decision by the company's CEO really put a cat among the pigeons.
Example
The leaked information about the scandal has definitely stirred up a cat among the pigeons situation
Is “Cat among the pigeons” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cat among the pigeons” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cat among the pigeons” effectively in context?
You can use "Cat among the pigeons" to describe a situation where someone or something causes trouble or creates a disturbance in an otherwise calm or peaceful environment. It emphasizes the disruptive and chaotic nature of the action. For example, if someone unexpectedly brings up a controversial topic during a meeting, you might say, 'They really threw a cat among the pigeons.'
- 1Meeting
His unexpected arrival at the meeting was like throwing a cat among the pigeons.
- 2Company Decision
The controversial decision by the company's CEO really put a cat among the pigeons.
- 3Scandal
The leaked information about the scandal has definitely stirred up a cat among the pigeons situation.
Similar phrases to “Cat among the pigeons”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cat among the pigeons” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cat among the pigeons" is unknown.
Is “Cat among the pigeons” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cat among the pigeons" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where unexpected actions or events disrupt the peace or cause chaos.
What tone does “Cat among the pigeons” have?
"Cat among the pigeons" conveys a tone of surprise and chaos. It is used to highlight the disruptive nature of an action or event.
Can “Cat among the pigeons” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Cat among the pigeons" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to add emphasis or create a vivid image.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The leaked information really stirred up a cat among the pigeons.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like a cat among the pigeons!' to imply a disruptive situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- upset the apple cart
- throw a spanner in the works
- cause a commotion
- create a disturbance
- disturb the peace
Antonyms
- maintain peace
- keep things calm
- avoid conflict
- smooth things over
- restore order
