The English language has idioms about every topic imaginable, even bags! This list will focus on the top bag idioms in English; from ‘pack your bags’ to ‘let the cat out of the bag,’ and many more.
These bag sayings are fun, relatable, and useful to know as they are used by native speakers the world over. Before we get started, just double-check check you know what idioms are so that you can enjoy these even more.
Bag idioms
A mixed bag
Here’s one of the easier bag idioms to figure out. A mixed bag is a varied assortment of things or characteristics that includes positive and negative qualities. You can use this phrase to refer to people, places, and more.
“The reviews for this hotel were a bit of a mixed bag, and now I see why.”
“I was looking forward to this TV show but it’s been a mixed bag so far.”
In the bag
The positive saying in the bag refers to something that is certain, secured, or 100% guaranteed.
“With a 2-minute lead, the runner knew first place was in the bag.”
“I think we’ve got this deal in the bag.”
A bag of tricks
The imaginary bag of tricks is simply a collection of clever or sneaky techniques and strategies someone may use. These tricks are normally used to get your own way or win something.
“She’s a great salesperson and will wow the customer with a bag of tricks to make the sale.”
Although you may hear this term when talking about magic and magicians, it can be applied in many situations.
Let the cat out of the bag
This must be one of the more common bag idioms that you’ll hear. When you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal a secret – either by accident or intentionally.
“I think it is time that I let the cat out of the bag and tell you the truth.”
The topic of animals makes for some great idioms so be sure to check out our lists of expressions featuring cats, birds, fish, and dogs – to name a few. The origin of this saying is quite interesting too.
Bag lady
The term bag lady is typically used to refer to a homeless woman who carries her possessions in bags, often shopping bags or backpacks. She may also push them along in a trolly.
“I saw a bag lady on the street corner yesterday.”
This term is not nice and should be used with caution.
A bag of bones
Someone who is very thin or emaciated to the point where you can see their bones through their skin could be described as a bag of bones.
“After being sick, my mum came out of hospital looking like a bag of bones.”
You can find some more phrases to describe good and poor health here.
Be left holding the bag
Did you know that some idioms are also metaphors?
In this phrase, the word ‘bag’ is used as a metaphor for a burden or responsibility.
So if you have been left holding the bag, the responsibility or blame for something has been thrust upon you. Or, you may have unwillingly become the owner of something unwanted.
“After the project fell apart, I was left holding the bag and had to explain to the boss why it didn’t work out.”
A bag of nerves
Here’s a good idiom to describe stress, nervousness, or anxiety. Someone who is a bag of nerves is very nervous or anxious, usually about something they are about to do or face.
“She was a bag of nerves before the big show.”
A variation of this is a bundle of nerves; both mean the same thing.
Bag some rays
Try and use this saying next time you are on a summer vacation. To bag some rays means to go sunbathing and get a tan, or perhaps to just enjoy basking in the sun.
“Come on, we can’t go home looking like this. We need to bag some rays before the flight.”
A face like a bag of spanners
Here’s a popular British idiom used to talk about how someone looks, although it’s another one that’s not very kind.
If people think you have a face like a bag of spanners they are saying you are not attractive. Be careful how you use this expression as it may upset people.
“After the fight the boxer had a face like a bag of spanners.”
A ‘spanner’, by the way, is the British word for ‘wrench’.
All that and a bag of chips/crisps
Here’s another bag idiom that illustrates how British and American English words differ. Brits say ‘crisps’ and Americans say ‘chips’.
Either way, when someone (or something) is said to be all that and a bag of chips/crisps, it means they have exceptionally good qualities that make them quite remarkable.
Be warned that this phrase can be used sarcastically, meaning that someone has a high opinion of themselves but isn’t actually all that special.
“Check him out! He thinks he’s all that and a bag of chips!”
Pack your bags
You might pack your bags when you’re going on a trip, but this expression has a more idiomatic meaning too. In this sense, it means to depart from a place and not return, usually after a disagreement or confrontation.
“I think it’s time you pack your bags and get out of here.”
“They told Matt to pack his bags after he turned up to work drunk.”
Even more bag idioms
Moneybags/bags of money
These two money idioms refer to a collection of money or wealth. Moneybags is a name used for a wealthy person, whereas bags of money refers to large sums of money.
“Go ask Mr Moneybags over there for a loan – he’s got bags of money.”
Old bag
Here’s yet another bag idiom that is a derogatory way to describe someone. An old bag is a disparaging term for an older woman, usually one who is unattractive or unpleasant.
“The old bag from over the road was complaining about the kids again yesterday.”
You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag
This is quite a funny idiom to imagine, even though it’s a rude way to describe someone.
When you say that they couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag, you are suggesting that they lack the strength, power, or coordination to carry out this seemingly easy task.
“She’s so uncoordinated that she couldn’t fight her way out of a paper bag, let alone win the dance competition.”
You may hear ‘punch’ instead of ‘fight’ and even ‘a wet paper bag’ to increase the level of insult!
Bag something
To bag something is a casual way of saying to secure or obtain something successfully.
“I managed to bag the last seat on the flight.”
Bag someone
This sounds similar to the bag idiom above, but it has quite a different meaning. To bag someone is to arrest, detain, or capture them.
“The police finally managed to bag the suspect after a long and intense manhunt.”
Douchebag/sleazebag/slimebag
All of these saying are negative ways to describe people.
Douchebag typically refers to a person (normally male) who is arrogant, self-centered, and behaves in a socially inappropriate or offensive manner.
“He’s such a douchebag for making fun of the other team.”
A sleazebag and a slimebag are normally people who are dishonest or unethical, often in a way that involves manipulating others for personal gain.
Both terms can also refer to a person (normally male) who makes romantic advances that make the other person feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
“I don’t trust that guy, he seems like a total sleazebag who will do anything to get what he wants.”
“Come and rescue me from this slimebag at the bar.”
Windbag/bag of wind
The bag idioms windbag and bag of wind are similar in that they both refer to someone who talks excessively or without substance, often in a self-important or pretentious manner.
“I wouldn’t believe anything that politician says, he’s just a bag of wind.”
“Don’t pay attention to that windbag, she’s just bitter.”
This also features on our list of talking idioms.
Punching bag
Although a punching bag is a big hanging bag that a boxer would use during training, it is possible to use this term figuratively to describe a person or other item.
When someone or something is the target of physical or emotional aggression, frustration, or criticism, they or it could be described as a punching bag.
“Sometimes I just feel like the punching bag at work when everyone is getting stressed.”
“I find it helps to relieve stress if I use my pillow as a punching bag.”
Bag idioms are versatile, and can be used in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal writing. Exploring these expressions can help you either improve your language skills or deepen your understanding of English.
If you have any questions or additional bag expressions for this list, be sure to leave a comment below!
