throw the cat among the pigeons

throw the cat among the pigeons

To do or say something that is likely to cause alarm, controversy, or unrest among a lot of people. The prime minister's casual remarks about the role of ethnicity in unemployment numbers has predictably thrown the cat among the pigeons on both sides of the political spectrum. We didn't want to throw 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, throw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • put the cat among the pigeons
  • put the cat amongst the pigeons
  • put/set the cat among the pigeons
  • set the cat among the pigeons
  • take (something) lightly
  • chitchat
  • smarten up
References in periodicals archive
He would throw the cat among the pigeons with the British voters, you would be astonished how many people would vote for him.
ROCKET SNUB JUST 'CRAZY'
And finally, just to throw the cat among the pigeons, the Newcastle historian Henry Bourne, in the early 20th century, claimed the street was originally called Budding Chare.
Proof of a street name is in the pudding; IT'S AN ANCIENT NEWCASTLE THOROUGHFARE
James Lowes' men thrashed Salford 41-10 at the Provident Stadium to really throw the cat among the pigeons.
We're in a war, says Vikings coach Betts; Widnes
"It's going to be a good test for us but we feel as though we can really throw the cat among the pigeons," added Bristolian Voisey, who turned out for his home town club as a junior.
VOISEY WASN'T PUT OFF BY BAD BREAKS
Last night, after a final round 72 to finish three under in the Barclays in New Jersey, McDowall said: "I hope Stevie does the job as that will throw the cat among the pigeons.
G-Mac: I hope Stevie steals my Ryder spot
"We fully intended to throw the cat among the pigeons and hope to stimulate debate about what is a very tricky legal area.
Women eating 'provocatively' in public may face sex harassment case
If Russia really wanted to throw the cat among the pigeons it could offer Germany the chance to buy back East Prussia!
Editorial comment
But the signing of a third new striker - to follow Tuncay Sunli and Jeremie Aliadiere into the club - will throw the cat among the pigeons.
WHICH WAY FOR YAK?
"Who knows, we could go and win four games and that could throw the cat among the pigeons. But really I just want to show progress for the supporters and maybe people we are trying to bring in so they can see us going in the right direction.
FOOTBALL: CITY KEEP FOOT ON THE GAS!; No time to take it easy, says Black
After a final-round 72 to finish three under in The Barclays in New Jersey, McDowell said: "I hope Stevie does the job as that will throw the cat among the pigeons. With the Ryder Cup being in Scotland I wouldn't not begrudge him a spot."
G-Mac: I hope Stevie steals my Ryder spot
Victory for Ireland would throw the cat among the pigeons in their qualifying group.
HEAD IN THE HOME WRECKER HERE JUST; TWO WEEKS IRELAND v ITALY TO THE HUGE WORLD CUP GROUP 8 SHOWDOWN
I'M GOING to throw the cat among the pigeons here, but this was the first full live game I'd seen Coventry City play this year, and quite frankly I was, well, rather impressed actually.
Action replay: Back of the NET; ... news, views and internet chat from Coventry City fans across the world via the Evening Telegraph website
Beautiful English sisters Grace and Charity throw the cat among the pigeons when they start to attract the wrong men for the right reasons.
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