- NEW!
by Galeanda on August 9th, 2007
It actually comes from an older expression "give somebody the bag to hold" from the mid 18th century Britain. It meant to give someone the bag and then leave them holding the evidence, like when a robber would give someone the stolen goods and that person is left responsible for the troubles that may follow. They get the blame. SO the newer expression "Left holding the bag" is more from the victim's point of view.
by another other on August 9th, 2007
the cat ... right?
by Perryman on August 9th, 2007
What exactly is inside of that "bag"?
Many splendid questions and answers posed by a giddy, eclectic group of inquiring minds.
by Anonymous on August 9th, 2007
Responsibility/Accountability
by snakelover on August 9th, 2007
Aggravation, bullshit, and the evidence.
by Talimze on August 13th, 2007
Shit...I'm not kidding, that actually what it is supposed to be. Metaphorical shit...
by Halskiisaklink on August 9th, 2007
Richard Simmons.
by Penny The Wise on August 9th, 2007
I like to think it's a big bag full of sh*t, but usually I visualize the bag being full of all the things that would be necessary to fix/take care of the problem at hand. They left ME with the bag of stuff.
by Will on August 9th, 2007
The bills that politicians are expecting you to pay for their frivolous spending and corruption.
by yoho05 reminds you to DYOH on August 9th, 2007
I checked out several dictionaries, etc., and although they all gave me the definition, none gave me the origin.
So here is my take on it. Since the meaning is to be left with the onus of something that is supposed to be a joint responsibility, I am going to guess that it's from the underworld - the bag was supposed to carry the loot and your partners in crime have deserted you, who are now holding the evidence all by yourself, when you are arrested and charged with the theft.
Remember, this is just a guess on my part, and I am more than willing to be proven wrong.
by Anonymous on August 13th, 2007
Stolen goods.
by MotherGoose on December 31st, 2008
After a bank robery, thieves were running down the street with the law on their tail...turning down an alley, one of the robbers handed a sack filled with the loot to a person walking in the opposite direction. That person was caught "HOLDING THE BAG".
Possession, as they say, is.......
by -O-uknow on June 7th, 2011
Excrement would be kind.
What does nonfrontational mean?
by Answerbag Staff on May 7th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does"rose-colored glasses"mean?
by Answerbag Staff on May 3rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What is a hatchet man?
by Answerbag Staff on May 1st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Have you watched armies 'goose step'?
by aiar on October 17th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Don't you just hate it when don't use there pronouns properly?
by NotSuspiciousAtAll on October 22nd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading Many times I hear the expression "left holding the bag". What exactly is inside of that "bag"?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments