Country Dictionary

cut one from the herd

To remove on individual or small group from a larger group. Grab a volunteer. Used by ranchers in US West to tell some one to pick any cow out of the herd.

"Hey, we need help with this, cut one from the herd." "There's too many people int his line, start cutting from the herd."

upstream from the herd

virgin territory. Ranchers use the water upstream from the herd because it is clear and clean. Downstream would be in the path of pollution/destruction.

"I'll just stay upstream from the herd till things quiet down."