Where did the saying herding cats come from?
This idiom can be used to highlight that organizing larger groups of people cannot be done, or at least not without requiring a great deal of effort – and patience. The origin of this expression seems to be recent, and has been attributed to a line of dialogue in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian (1979).
What does the expression like herding cats mean?
informal. used to describe something that is extremely difficult to do: He says managing lawyers is like herding cats.
What is worse than herding cats?
Because our cat died this summer, we now have a replacement, a little kitten running around our house. If you think it’s hard to keep an unruly kitten off the table, try “shepherding the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6; 6:9). …
Is herding cattle a saying?
This phrase originally meant to control or guard a herd of cattle by riding on its perimeter. Its figurative use dates from the late nineteenth century, and it remains current.
Is herding cats an idiom?
Herding cats may refer to: An idiom denoting a futile attempt to control or organize a class of entities which are inherently uncontrollable—as in the difficulty of attempting to command individual cats into a group (herd).
Is like trying to herd cats?
To be very unwieldy or unmanageable; to be nearly impossible to organize. Usually said of a group of people. Getting all of the extended family into their right places for the reunion photo was like herding cats!
How do you herd a cat?
How to Herd Cats (or Work with the Disorder of Our Lives)
- Set an intention. Think of this as a direction you’d like to head in.
- Start herding the cats in that direction. Intention is nothing without action.
- Try to keep the cats going in the right direction.
- When things go astray (they will), don’t get bothered by it.
Is Herding cats a metaphor?
What does feed the kitty mean?
See synonyms for feed the kitty on Thesaurus.com. Contribute money to a pool or reserve, as in I can’t make a big donation this year, but I’m willing to feed the kitty something. This term, originating in gambling, incorporates a pun, since kitty can mean “cat” as well as “pool.” [
What animal moves in herd?
Many animals naturally live and travel together in groups called herds. Goats, sheep, and llamas, for instance, live in herds as a form of protection. They move from one fertile grassland to another without an organized direction. Predators such as lions, wolves, and coyotes pose major risks to domestic herds.
What is a group of cats called UK?
clowder
A group of cats is called a clowder. It can also be called a glaring, particularly if the cats are uncertain of each other. A litter of kittens can also be called a kindle.
What does the idiom Herding Cats mean?
Herding cats may refer to: An idiom denoting a futile attempt to control or organize a class of entities which are inherently uncontrollable – as in the difficulty of attempting to command individual cats into a group (herd). Cat Herders, a commercial from Electronic Data Systems, also known as Herding Cats (commercial)
What is Cat Herders?
An idiom denoting a futile attempt to control or organize a class of entities which are inherently uncontrollable – as in the difficulty of attempting to command a large number of cats into a group (herd). Cat Herders, a commercial from Electronic Data Systems, also known as Herding Cats (commercial)
What are some of the best books about herding cats?
Herding Cats (album) (1999), the second album by the band Gaelic Storm. Herding Cats, a play by Lucinda Coxon. Herding Cats, a book by Graeme Davies, metallurgist and university administrator. Herding Cats: Multiparty Mediation in a Complex World, a book by Chester Crocker, diplomat.
Are cat herds worth their weight in fur?
If you find a few good cat herds… with the talent to effectively manage complex projects and the interpersonal skills to turn foes to friends or at least productive colleagues… take good care of them. They’re worth their weight in fur I mean gold.