Put the Cat Among The Pigeons: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” mean?

"Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" means to cause trouble or create a disturbance.

What context can I use the in?

Example

His controversial statement really put the cat among the pigeons.

Example

The unexpected announcement put the cat among the pigeons in the office.

Example

The controversial decision put the cat among the pigeons in the community

Is “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put the 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 “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” effectively in context?

You can use "Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" to describe a situation where someone or something causes trouble or creates a disturbance. It implies that the action or statement disrupts the peace and harmony of a group or community. For example, if someone makes a controversial statement during a meeting, you might say, 'His controversial statement really put the cat among the pigeons.'

• 1. Social Setting

  Her gossiping about others put the cat among the pigeons and caused tension in the group.

• 2. Workplace

  The unexpected announcement from the boss put the cat among the pigeons in the office, leading to confusion and uncertainty.

• 3. Community

  The controversial decision made by the local government put the cat among the pigeons in the community, sparking protests and disagreements.

Similar phrases to “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons”:

Stir up a hornet's nest

To cause trouble or provoke a strong reaction

Example

His comments about politics stirred up a hornet's nest among the audience.

Rock the boat

To disrupt the status quo or create conflict

Example

She decided to rock the boat by challenging the established rules.

Light a fire under someone

To motivate or provoke someone into action

Example

The coach's pep talk lit a fire under the team, and they played with renewed energy.

Open a can of worms

To create a complicated or difficult situation

Example

Bringing up the topic of politics at the family gathering opened a can of worms.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" is unknown.

Is “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone or something causes trouble or creates a disturbance.

What tone does “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” have?

"Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" conveys a tone of disruption and chaos. It's often used to highlight the negative consequences of an action or statement.

Can “Put the Cat Among The Pigeons” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Put the Cat Among The Pigeons" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a disruptive situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His controversial statement really put the cat among the pigeons.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put the cat among the pigeons"!' to imply causing trouble or creating a disturbance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• stir the pot
• create a disturbance
• cause trouble
• disrupt the peace
• provoke conflict

Antonyms

• maintain harmony
• keep the peace
• avoid conflict
• promote cooperation
• smooth things over