Definition
To attempt to control the uncontrollable; to attempt to manage a great many unruly factors or people to a single end.
Origins
Formed of herd + cat, perhaps in reference to domesticated cats’ solitary nature. Possibly from the opening scene of Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979). Shepherds are discussing sheep and the topic strays to cats: "Can you imagine a herds of cats waiting to be sheared? Meow! Meow! Woo hoo hoo." Earliest usage unknown, but the idiom is attested from the 1980s.
In Context
- "Managing volunteers from fourteen different organizations is like herding cats."
- "Finally, you present this vision and your goals to the authors; after that it’s like herding cats. Authors have their own perspectives on their topics, their own notions about what constitutes significant issues and adequate coverage"
- "Trying to predict the future of office automation is like trying to herd cats. Things go in so many directions, you end up with a fist full of air."
- "The job of leader has often been compared to herding cats. It is not easy, but Senator DASCHLE did an outstanding job."
- "It must feel like herding cats, with 20-or-so members and with the big five franchise owning groups."