pʊt ðə kæt əˈmʌŋ ðə ˈpɪdʒənz
Animals
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Releasing a cat where pigeons are gathered
What does "put the cat among the pigeons" mean?
- To cause trouble or controversy
- To introduce something that causes chaos
Examples
- His announcement really put the cat among the pigeons.
- She put the cat among the pigeons by questioning the decision.
- That news will certainly put the cat among the pigeons.
Origin
Obvious chaos would ensue if a cat entered a group of pigeons. British expression from the 1700s.
How to use it
Often used about revealing controversial information. British expression also used in Canada.
Similar expressions
stir up trouble
cause a commotion
rock the boat
Opposites
keep the peace
maintain calm
stay quiet
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "put the cat among the pigeons" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.