When good intentions go bad, messily.

History: From LCDR Charles Breen, USN, who tried to untangle a goat's rope, only to be bitten by said goat, then to deck same goat, Mongo style, right as busload of tourists rounded the bend in time to think he was beating the crap out of a goat for no reason. This definition dates back to at least 1988.

goat rope--definition--A very confused situation

To teach new cowboys the art of roping a moving target, such as a horse or a steer, novices would be put in a pen full of goats, which were smaller and less dangerous, to hone their craft. The old-timers would gather to watch, drink, whoop and be amused by the ensuing melee. It was not a pretty sight.

I'm a writer with a book of the same name and I did extensive research to find the origins of this term.

(This term is used by Marines. For links to Army terms with similar meanings see snafu)
a very chaotic situation

Goat rope basically means pain in the ass. Imagine what a pain it would be to pull a goat by a rope and you got it.

Rural phrase makes good here in DC.

A situation or activity that has become completely fucked up, or, an exercise in futility. The phrase comes from the image of a goat, tied down with a rope, humping the rope but not getting anywhere. Similar to goat fuck.