Definition of like herding cats in English: like herding cats phrase informal Used to refer to a difficult or impossible task, typically an attempt to organize a group of people. More example sentences
Is the expression “Herding Cats” an idiom?
But the truth is that the expression “herding cats” is used as an idiom. Why cats? Do not miss our posts. This expression is usually referred to a situation that requires the control and coordination of a large group of people. We then say that managing such crowd is like herding cats.
What does “ managing such crowd is like herding cats” mean?
We then say that managing such crowd is like herding cats. The expression is used in instances where there is usually one coordinator and many people under his control. For example, you could say, “ Managing programmer is like herding cats “, or in education, one could say, “ Managing students is like herding cats .”
What is team herding cats?
It's like herding cats trying to manage all these different software development teams. Very unwieldy or unmanageable; nearly impossible to organize or control. Usually said of a group of people.
Is managing lawyers like herding cats?
He says managing lawyers is like herding cats. "It's like herding cats sometimes", she said of the logistical challenges. Want to learn more? Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.
What's another way to say herding cats?
What is another word for like herding cats?impracticableunworkableunachievableunattainableunrealizableunserviceableawkwardimpossiblenonpracticalnon-viable50 more rows
Where does the saying like 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).
Is herding cats a metaphor?
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 the saying herding?
To attempt to coordinate or control subjects that are uncooperative. Often used as a point of comparison in the phrase "like herding cats." Trying to get my two toddlers out the door these days is like herding cats!
What is worse than herding cats?
We might not be able to scratch many of the mysteries that cause us to itch, and we may find that an attempt to do so is like shepherding the wind — worse than even herding cats!
What is a group of cats called?
The actual name for a group of cats is a clowder. We know, completely bizarre, right? Well, that's only the beginning, because you can also refer to a group of cats as a clutter (which makes a bit more sense, we suppose) and a glaring (which we can't even begin to guess).
Is it possible to herd cats?
After all, herding cats is supposed to be impossible. One of Fluffy's favorite pastimes is refusing to come in when called! However, we have discovered a few things that our feline pals just can't resist. An Ashburn, VA vet lists some of them in this article.
How many is a herd of cats?
ThreeTwo cats are just a pair. Three or more cats are a clowder. There are other names used for a group of cats, such as a clutter, a glaring, or a pounce.
What does something the cat dragged in mean?
informal. —used to call attention to someone who has entered the room or area.
What's a Clouder?
Definition of clowder : a group of cats.
What is National Cat herders Day?
December 15December 15 is National Cat Herder's Day! Although the only job remotely close to cat herding is working at your local animal shelter, this holiday is not dedicated to cats. This celebration is meant for those who can manage others and themselves no matter what chaos is thrown their way.
What does herding chickens mean?
It is usually used when referring to a task that seems impossible. Well, on Monday I understood that phrase all too well and came to the conclusion that it should be changed to herding chickens. Those of you who read this column regularly know we have had chickens for several years.
How many is a herd of cats?
ThreeTwo cats are just a pair. Three or more cats are a clowder. There are other names used for a group of cats, such as a clutter, a glaring, or a pounce.
What does something the cat dragged in mean?
informal. —used to call attention to someone who has entered the room or area.
What does "herding cats" mean?
To attempt to coordinate or control subjects that are uncooperative. Often used as a point of comparison in the phrase "like herding cats." Trying to get my two toddlers out the door these days is like herding cats!
Who said "Managing people is like herding cats"?
Bennis Warren tells us in Managing People is Like Herding Catsthat, 'All successful leaders learn to embrace error and to learn from it.
Is the tax bill like herding cats?
In the Senate, where Valliere says "passing anything is like herding cats ," the tax bill will be no exception. Richard, of Cardiff Bay, said: "The folly of the idea of herding cats is intentional and CatZebra is intentionally fun.
What does it mean to say "like herding cats"?
“Like herding cats” is an expression you may have heard at some point. Although the meaning of idioms is generally not transparent, thinking about the literal meaning of this particular saying quickly establishes a sort of mental image which showcases the near impossibility of the task. It is already difficult to get one cat to do what you want, now imagine trying to organize several cats.
How many cats did Mythbusters try to herd into a pen?
In 2014, Mythbusters ‘confirmed’ the idiom to be true by running an experiment in which the hosts tried herding 8 cats into a pen. They failed miserably, as you can see below. To be fair, it was like herding cats.
What is the origin of the expression "organizing larger groups of people cannot be done"?
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). A quick search in the Google Books Ngram Viewer seems to confirm this idea as can be seen by looking at the graph below.
What does it mean to herd cats?
The phrase herding cats comes from the common saying that something involving coordination of many different groups or people is as difficult as herding cats.
What does "management students is like herding cats" mean?
It refers to the individualism common in the stereotypical examples of programmers and domesticated cats. A similar phrase, allegedly of Irish origins, is "Minding mice at a crossroads ". Me: Yo.
How many cats can you have at home?
Having two or even three should not be a problem, especially if you have food on you. Probably even five or six, or a little more. But try to control 15 or 20 cats, and you will find yourself herding cats. But the truth is that the expression “herding cats” is used as an idiom. Why cats?
Do cats like to travel?
Besides this, cats are more autonomous than dogs and they usually like to travel by themselves. In other words, they tend to do their own thing, alone.
Can you control a herd of cats?
It is interesting to note here that the expression can be demeaning at assigning people characteristics of cats, in the sense of being out of control. Because the truth is, you would hardly be able to control a herd of cats.
Can you herd cats?
It is impossible to herd cats. Interestingly enough, the domestic cat at your home would probably never accept being herded. But why is this? It’s simple. Cats simply do not see the need or any benefits in living in groups.
What does "cats aren't herd animals" mean?
The idea behind the expression is that cats aren't herd animals, so you're trying to elicit a behaviour from creatures incapable of it.
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