put the cat among the pigeons

put the cat among the pigeons

To do or say something that is likely to cause alarm, controversy, or unrest among a lot of people. Primarily heard in UK. The prime minister's casual remarks about the role of ethnicity in unemployment numbers has predictably put the cat among the pigeons on both sides of the political spectrum. We didn't want to put the cat among the pigeons, so we decided not to mention the bomb threat until we knew for certain that it was legitimate.
See also: among, cat, pigeon, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put the cat among the pigeons

or

set the cat among the pigeons

BRITISH
If a remark or action puts the cat among the pigeons or sets the cat among the pigeons, it causes trouble, worry or anger. The bank is poised to put the cat among the pigeons this morning by slashing the cost of borrowing. Once again she set the cat among the pigeons, claiming that Michael was lying.
See also: among, cat, pigeon, put
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

put (or set) the cat among the pigeons

say or do something that is likely to cause trouble or controversy. British
This expression was first recorded in J. Stevens 's New Spanish and English Dictionary ( 1706 ), where it is explained as referring to a man coming into the company of a group of women. The idiom flutter the dovecotes (see flutter) is based on the same idea of a group of pigeons as a tranquil or harmless community.
1998 New Scientist The…study has firmly put the cat among the pigeons by claiming that most of the therapeutic effects of expensive antidepressant pills…can be mimicked by dummy pills.
See also: among, cat, pigeon, put
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

put/set the cat among the ˈpigeons

(British English, informal) do something that is likely to cause trouble: She told all the staff they would have to cancel their holidays, and that really set the cat among the pigeons.
See also: among, cat, pigeon, put, set
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • put the cat amongst the pigeons
  • put/set the cat among the pigeons
  • set the cat among the pigeons
  • be pot luck
  • potluck
  • go walkabout
  • take (something) lightly
  • chitchat
  • smarten up
References in periodicals archive
EASTENDERS The Carters have been at the centre of plenty of drama since arriving in the Square, but Lee's confession has well and truly put the cat among the pigeons. Mick and Linda are unsure about him changing his statement, worried that it will somehow implicate him in the murder investigation.
SOAP WATCH
Good news for those with Christmas debt to clear as Santander has put the cat among the pigeons with lower interest rates on loans.
Cash point
She loves to cause mischief and be at the centre of it all and this book is most definitely going to put the cat among the pigeons. "Sharon has never told the full story about her and Dannii's falling-out.
Shaz to lift lid on sex factor
AS we forecast last month, the scheduling of Premier League TV games has put the cat among the pigeons.
Fans suffer as TV plans take a toll
That's a shrewd signing by Martin O'Neill and I wonder if it might put the cat among the pigeons over the Wearsiders' pursuit of Fletcher.
Hooray for Henry and new deal
That will certainly put the cat among the pigeons in the Adnams Cheveley Park Stakes because there are not many in the field likely to appreciate very soft ground - in fact, many of the fancied ones are thought to actively dislike it.
Take chance on Tamaathul at tempting 14-1; PRICEWISE
It has, in planning terms, put the cat among the pigeons for the Thandi Partnership's architect feels Kirklees Council now wants nothing on Castle Hill except for the tower.
New plans on the hill; COMMENT The policy of honesty. The might of right. The expediency of principle
Mr Kilfoyle said his aim was to put the cat among the pigeons and expose the hollowness of the grand claims made for the city-region and devolution.
Let's give city-region extra muscle, says MP; Kilfoyle in call for London-style mayor
A COUNCIL has put the cat among the pigeons by telling a group of fanciers they must pay business rates for their tiny hut.
Pigeon tax anger
"The win over Romulus has really put the cat among the pigeons - especially after they went and lost to Market
Football: Leamington looking to increase gap; NON-LEAGUE NEWS
In the Second Division, Aston Manor put the cat among the pigeons by once again having the Indian sign on Cannock, the team they destroyed in the Twenty20 final earlier this summer.
Dartmouth unable to shake off Walsall; BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE
That price is enough to put the cat among the pigeons in no uncertain terms,and it will bother MG Rover especially,as the Ignis will be right up against the new CityRover which is due to make its debut in November.
Motor Max: Small car,big ideas; Ignis gives lots for your cash
BERMUDA put the cat among the pigeons in the M&B Nuneaton Tuesday Night Games League when inflicting the first defeat on the darters of Hartshill.
TUESDAY GAMES: Hartshill throwers are toppled at last
Big hitting Hugh O'Donnell put the cat among the pigeons on an otherwise quiet Wednesday at Ayr.
Calling Ayr to account
A renowned academic will travel to Newcastle next week and could put the cat among the pigeons.
Marxist prof to target culture in free lecture