The idiom “like herding cats” calls on the independent and stubborn reputation of cats, differentiating them from herd animals like sheep. It’s seen as impossible to get a group of cats to all head in the same direction. No matter how hard you try to direct or corral them, they will all go wherever they want and ignore you, thus the idiom.
Meaning Of Idiom “Like Herding Cats”
When something is like herding cats, it is extremely difficult to do or complete. This expression usually refers to organizing people but can also refer to dealing with groups of circumstance that keep changing.
Sentence Examples
“Getting everyone to agree on a good time to get together is like herding cats. Everyone has scheduling conflicts no matter what day is discussed.”
“Getting a bill through this congress is like herding cats; and not just any cats, but particularly angry and surly ones.”
“…frankly, trying to get a room full of legal scholars to stay on task is like herding cats. And so, I need to set up a chairman of this committee.” — A Day in the Life (2007)
“You know, trying to get you guys to go to church is like herding cats.” — Last Man Standing: Last Christmas Standing (2011)
“First, do you have my money? Cashing a check for $ 10 million on a Saturday night is like trying to herd cats in a lightning storm.” — The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996)
“My goodness, getting models to do anything…” “It’s like herding cats, yes?” — Gossip Girl: The Empire Strikes Jack (2010)
“That’s what a road trip is like with these two. Honestly, driving with you two is like herding cats.” — Top Gear USA: Best of Top Gear (2011)
Origin
The expression “like herding cats” became more popular during the 1980s and is often claimed to have come from the Monty Python movie “Like of Brian.” Indeed, there is no print evidence of the idiom’s existence prior to this movie’s release, which occurred in 1979.