Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to put the cat among the pigeons".

Introduction / Context:
The idiom "to put the cat among the pigeons" is a colourful English expression. Literally, if you were to place a cat among a flock of pigeons, the birds would panic and scatter. Figuratively, the idiom is used when someone says or does something that causes confusion, alarm, or heated argument in a group. This question tests whether you know this established figurative meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "to put the cat among the pigeons".
• Options describe different group situations and behaviours.
• We must select the one that matches the standard dictionary meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Idioms often use strong visual images to represent emotional or social situations. Here, the cat represents a disruptive element and the pigeons represent people who were previously calm or organised. When the idiom is used in news or conversation, it usually refers to a statement or action that suddenly creates controversy, arguments, or unrest in an otherwise settled situation. So we should look for an option involving creating controversy or disturbance, not just being different or trapped.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the common usage: "His comment about corruption really put the cat among the pigeons at the meeting." This clearly indicates starting trouble or controversy. Step 2: Examine option C: "To do something that is likely to cause controversy." This captures the idea of deliberately or accidentally causing argument and upset. Step 3: Check option A: "To hunt easy prey." This focuses on the cat hunting, but the idiom is about the effect on the pigeons (the group), not about easy hunting. Step 4: Look at option B: "To be different in a group where everybody is alike." This describes being unusual but does not necessarily cause panic or arguments. Step 5: Evaluate option D: "When the entire group feels trapped in a bad situation." This describes a feeling of being stuck, not the idea of sudden trouble caused by one disruptive move. Step 6: Conclude that option C best reflects the idiom's real meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical contexts: journalists may write "The minister's statement about new taxes put the cat among the pigeons" meaning it caused criticism and panic. In debates, one sharp question can "put the cat among the pigeons" among panel members. In each case, the focus is on introducing something that triggers argument or confusion. None of the alternative options adequately reflects this shock or disturbance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• To hunt easy prey: Over literal interpretation of the cat image; ignores the effect on the group and the idiom's actual usage.
• To be different in a group where everybody is alike: Describes uniqueness, not disruption or controversy.
• When the entire group feels trapped in a bad situation: Refers to helplessness; the idiom is about triggering trouble, not being stuck.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to read idioms too literally or to focus on only one part of the image (here, the cat) rather than the whole situation. Another pitfall is to choose a vaguely negative sounding option even if it does not match the real usage. The best strategy is to remember how you have seen the idiom used in sentences, especially in news articles and discussions, and rely on that context to guide your choice.

Final Answer:
"To put the cat among the pigeons" means to do something that is likely to cause controversy.