Like Herding Cats

Pronunciation: /laɪk ˈhɜrdɪŋ kæts/

Definitions of like herding cats

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

Example Sentences

A1 Trying to get all the kids to sit still for a photo is like herding cats.

A2 Managing a team of inexperienced interns can sometimes feel like herding cats.

B1 Coordinating a large event with multiple vendors is often described as like herding cats.

B2 Organizing a group project with different personalities and work styles can be like herding cats.

C1 Leading a global team with members in different time zones can feel like herding cats.

C2 Navigating the complexities of international diplomacy is often compared to the challenge of herding cats.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

Example Sentences

A1 Trying to organize a group of young children is like herding cats.

A2 Managing a team of interns who are all new to the job can feel like herding cats.

B1 Coordinating a project with multiple stakeholders can be as challenging as herding cats.

B2 Leading a team of creative individuals with different ideas and opinions is often compared to herding cats.

C1 Navigating a complex political environment while trying to achieve consensus is akin to herding cats.

C2 Balancing the diverse personalities and egos of a high-profile board of directors is like trying to herd cats.

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

Example Sentences

A1 Trying to organize a group of toddlers is like herding cats.

A2 Getting my family to agree on a movie to watch is like herding cats.

B1 Coordinating a team of freelancers can feel like herding cats.

B2 Managing a project with multiple stakeholders is often like herding cats.

C1 Negotiating international agreements can be compared to herding cats.

C2 Leading a diverse team with conflicting priorities is akin to herding cats.

Examples of like herding cats in a Sentence

formal Managing a large project with multiple stakeholders can feel like herding cats.

informal Trying to get everyone to agree on a restaurant for dinner is like herding cats.

slang Organizing a group of teenagers is like herding cats.

figurative Getting my family ready for a vacation is always like herding cats.

Grammatical Forms of like herding cats

• past tense: herded
• plural: herding cats
• comparative: more like herding cats
• superlative: most like herding cats
• present tense: herds cats
• future tense: will herd cats
• perfect tense: has herded cats
• continuous tense: is herding cats
• singular: herding cat
• positive degree: like herding cats
• infinitive: to herd cats
• gerund: herding cats
• participle: herding

Origin and Evolution of like herding cats

First Known Use: 1980 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'like herding cats' is believed to have originated in the United States, drawing on the image of the difficulty in controlling or organizing something as unpredictable as a group of cats.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the challenging task of managing a group of individuals who are independent and resistant to direction, the phrase has since become a popular metaphor for any situation that is chaotic, unruly, or difficult to control.