# throw an ant into a sty

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-an-ant-into-a-sty
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause confusion.

## Examples

- His sudden change of plans threw an ant into a sty.
- The manager's unexpected announcement about the new office rules threw an ant into a sty during the morning meeting.
- By introducing a contradictory policy without prior warning, the director effectively threw an ant into a sty, leaving the entire department in a state of complete bewilderment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.