The phrase “herding cats” refers to an impossible or extremely difficult task, particularly one involving trying to control or coordinate a group of people, activities, or elements that are inherently independent, chaotic, or unmanageable.
The comparison stems from the idea that cats are notoriously individualistic and resistant to being directed, making the act of herding them a humorous metaphor for frustrating or futile efforts in achieving organization.
Contexts in Which the Phrase is Appropriate
The phrase is typically used in informal contexts to describe a situation that is chaotic, frustrating, or nearly impossible to manage.
It is well-suited for humorous or lighthearted conversations but can also appear in professional discussions when emphasizing the difficulty of organizing people or processes.
While it’s unlikely to appear in highly formal writing, it may be used in speeches or presentations for effect.
Examples of Use
- Workplace Example: “Trying to coordinate everyone’s schedules for this meeting feels like herding cats.”
- Family Context: “Getting my kids ready for school on time is like herding cats every morning.”
- Group Activity: “Planning a group trip with ten friends is basically herding cats!”
Origin
The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 20th century. Its first notable usage was in a 1986 interview with the Los Angeles Times, where a University of Arizona official described the difficulty of organizing independent-minded faculty members as “herding cats.” The vivid imagery caught on and became a popular metaphor for challenging organizational tasks.
The phrase gained further prominence with a widely recognized commercial by the tech company EDS during the 2000 Super Bowl. In the ad, cowboys were depicted attempting to herd cats across a rugged landscape, humorously illustrating the phrase’s meaning.