A total freaking mess
An unorganized disaster
Clusterfuck

A deranged, poorly-planned attempt to seize power; particularly if an election does not turn out in your favor.

US military (specifically Air Force military transport) jargon ca. 1970s-1980s, referring to an operation or undertaking involving an unnecessarily large number of people, most of them contributing nothing or actually impeding progress. Typically used to refer to flightline operations where military brass felt it necessary to make their presence felt and impede the normal duties/operations of the aircrew, offering "advice" or "assistance" that was neither requested nor needed.

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.

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

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.

1. Appalachian slang for a real mess, a situation out of control,military saying