English idiom

let the cat among the pigeons

Register · Informal CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

To say or do something that causes sudden trouble or excitement.

Why this phrase?

A cat loosed among pigeons causes immediate panic.

Example

“Announcing the budget cuts really put the cat among the pigeons.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hang on a minute

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

how on earth

an emphatic way of asking 'how', expressing surprise or disbelief

in hot water

In trouble or facing difficulty.

ring a bell

to sound familiar or remind you of something

what on earth

an emphatic way of asking 'what', expressing surprise or confusion

game changer

a new development that fundamentally alters a situation or market

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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