The phrase herding cats comes from the common saying that something involving coordination of many different groups or people is as difficult as herding cats. One of the commonly encountered uses of the term in technical fields is the phrase "Managing programmers is like herding cats" or "Managing engineers is like herding cats". In education it would be "Managing students is like herding cats". In reality, it would be "Managing cats is like herding cats." It refers to the individualism common in the stereotypical examples of programmers and domesticated cats. A similar phrase, allegedly of Irish origins, is "Minding mice at a crossroads".
by catherdmaster January 3, 2009
"I have gotten three other people to agree to do it, but actually getting them in front of the camera is like herding cats."
by a silly girl July 9, 2006
Any difficult activity of uncertain outcome involving numerous and often competing factions that is of dubious value.
The latest project that I'm manging at work involves so many different groups that it's just like herding cats.
by eMeS December 22, 2005
Putting this case together after being cold for twenty years will be like herding cats! All the luck to you Sarge!
by talk2me-JCH2 April 2, 2021
