give someone the bag: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give someone the bag’ mean?
The idiom "give someone the bag" means to deceive or cheat someone.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to betray someone or deceive them dishonestly, often when they least expect it.
The idiom "stab in the back" has a specific meaning and conveys a sense of betrayal or deceit. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is betrayed by someone they trust or consider a friend. The phrase implies that the betrayal is unexpected and deeply hurtful.
The idiom "in someone's pocket" means to be under someone's control or influence.
The idiom "have one's hand out" means to ask for money or help from someone, usually in a demanding or pushy manner.
The idiom "have one's hand in the till" means to be illegally involved in stealing money from one's own workplace or organization.
The idiom "have one's hand in the till" is commonly used to describe situations where someone is involved in financial dishonesty or embezzlement. It originated in British English as early as the 17th century and has since become a familiar expression in American English and popular culture.
The idiom "hand someone their cards" means to terminate someone from their job or position, usually due to poor performance or failure to meet expectations.
The idiom "hand someone his head" means to defeat or humiliate someone completely, usually in a competition or conflict.
The idiom "hand someone his hat" means to defeat or humiliate someone decisively.
Hand someone his hat is a popular idiom in English that signifies defeat or humiliation. It is used metaphorically in different situations, conveying the idea that someone has been outperformed or outwitted to such an extent that they feel embarrassed or diminished.
The idiom "hand over" means to give or transfer something to someone else, usually with the implication of authority or control. It can also indicate the act of surrendering or yielding to someone or something.
The idiom "hand it to someone" means to give credit or acknowledge someone's ability, achievement, or success.
One of the idiomatic expressions in the English language is "hand it to someone." This idiom is commonly used to acknowledge or recognize someone's skills, abilities, or achievements.
The idiom "grease someone's palm" means to give or offer someone a bribe or money in order to gain favor, influence or illicitly expedite a desired outcome.
Decoding the Enigmatic Dance
The idiom "give someone the bag" is a primarily American phrase that means to deceive or cheat someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is tricked or taken advantage of, resulting in a negative outcome for them.
The origin of this idiom remains unclear. There are no definitive sources documenting its exact beginnings. However, it has likely been in use for many decades.
One theory behind the idiom's origin is that it may stem from the practice of pickpocketing or stealing someone's belongings. In this sense, giving someone the bag would mean that you have successfully stolen their belongings from them, leaving them empty-handed and deceived.
Another possible origin could be related to the world of commerce and sales. In this context, giving someone the bag could refer to a seller misleading or deceiving a customer, leading them to make a purchase that is ultimately disadvantageous or unfavorable to them.
Despite the unknown origin, the idiom "give someone the bag" continues to be used in contemporary American English to convey the idea of deceiving or cheating someone. It serves as a cautionary phrase, reminding individuals to be vigilant in their dealings and interactions to avoid being taken advantage of.
Now, let's explore how the idiom "give someone the bag" is related to other idioms:
"stab in the back" is another idiom that shares a similar meaning with "give someone the bag." Both idioms describe acts of deceit or betrayal. However, "stab in the back" focuses more on the idea of betrayal and betrayal of trust. It implies that someone who you thought was on your side has turned against you in a sneaky and treacherous way. On the other hand, "give someone the bag" emphasizes the act of deceiving or cheating someone, often resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived party.
Another related idiom is "hand someone his hat." This idiom also shares similarities with "give someone the bag" in terms of deception and negative outcomes. However, "hand someone his hat" specifically refers to defeating someone in a contest or competition. It suggests the idea of humiliating someone or defeating them so thoroughly that they are left with no choice but to leave the competition gracefully, symbolized by handing over their hat. In contrast, "give someone the bag" focuses more on the act of deceiving or cheating someone, resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived individual.
"get taken in" is yet another idiom with a similar meaning to "give someone the bag." Both idioms refer to being deceived or tricked by someone. However, "get taken in" implies a sense of vulnerability or naivety on the part of the person being deceived. It suggests that they fell for the deception and were duped or swindled as a result. "Give someone the bag," on the other hand, emphasizes the act of deceiving or cheating someone, often resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived party.
The idiom "give someone the bag" is a phrase used to describe deceiving or cheating someone. Its exact origin remains unknown, but it has likely been in use for many decades. Possible origins include pickpocketing and commerce. The idiom is related to other idioms such as "stab in the back," "hand someone his hat," and "get taken in," which also involve acts of deception or negative outcomes. The rich variety of idiomatic language adds depth and complexity to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give someone the bag" can be used in a sentence:
- She was caught stealing money from her friend's purse and now her friend gave her the bag, ending their friendship.
- The politician made several promises during his campaign, but once elected, he gave the voters the bag and failed to fulfill any of them.
- After their breakup, he moved out of their shared apartment and didn't contribute to the bills, completely giving her the bag.
More "Expression" idioms
