Linguistics jargon
 
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Many times I hear the expression "left holding the bag". What exactly is inside of that "bag"?

By Sheriff Raff -Answerhag Asked Aug 9 2007 5:18AM
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Top Answer out of 12

by Galeanda on Aug 9, 2007 at 6:17 am Permalink

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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.
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Answer 2 out of 12

by Perryman on Aug 9, 2007 at 8:40 am Permalink

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What exactly is inside of that "bag"?

Many splendid questions and answers posed by a giddy, eclectic group of inquiring minds.
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Answer 3 out of 12

by Vlad The Unveiler on Aug 9, 2007 at 6:16 am Permalink

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Responsibility/Accountability
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Answer 4 out of 12

by snakelover on Aug 9, 2007 at 5:31 am Permalink

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Aggravation, bullshit, and the evidence.
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Avatar snakelover Aug, 09 2007 at 05:41 AM
No their mother founf a better job so hopefully she can get back on her feet. My son broke my heart by lying in court to protect his gf's mom. He tells everyone he hates me and that he wishes his gf'f mom was his mom. I just can't believe that he would to that to me. It hurts like hell.
Avatar Sheriff Raff -Answerhag Aug, 09 2007 at 05:48 AM
I am so sorry. His loyalty should be with his blood and he should tell the truth. Hopefully, he will learn lessons from this experience and will mend his ways with you. I never had kids to protect myself from pain and hurt, when you love someone your heart is wide open for either incredible joy or unspeakable injury.
Avatar snakelover Aug, 09 2007 at 06:21 AM
Yeah but I figured that if I leave it be, he hopefully come to his senses and realize that his gf & her mom are lying pieces of scum and he'll realize that I have had his back since forever. I understand that he is finaly getting laid and her mom buys his love and lets him spend the night over there w/o my knowledge. I guess he needs his heart to get broken by her and he will see that I am still there. Thanks for your concern.

Answer 5 out of 12

by another other on Aug 9, 2007 at 8:57 am Permalink

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the cat ... right?
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Avatar Sheriff Raff -Answerhag Aug, 09 2007 at 10:11 AM
no, i believe the cat got "let out of the bag".. good try though
Avatar another other Aug, 09 2007 at 06:44 PM
yes, that was just my attempt at a witty response to your question ... guess you didn't like it.

Answer 6 out of 12

by Talimze wins the prize on Aug 13, 2007 at 4:55 pm Permalink

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Shit...I'm not kidding, that actually what it is supposed to be. Metaphorical shit...
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Avatar Sheriff Raff -Answerhag Aug, 13 2007 at 08:04 PM
I suppose it's when you take your dog for a walk and you have to clean up behind it and you have a disposable bag and until you find a trash can you are "left holding the bag of dog crap".
Avatar Talimze wins the prize Aug, 13 2007 at 08:18 PM
It's more like when a bunch of guys make a big manure farm heist and the cops are chasing them, so they shove the bag of "goods" into the hands of an innocent bystander and the police shoot him on the spot. He didn't do it, he just got left holding the bag.

Answer 7 out of 12

by Penny The Wise is a Steelers fan on Aug 9, 2007 at 8:39 am Permalink

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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.
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Answer 8 out of 12

by Will on Aug 9, 2007 at 6:22 am Permalink

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The bills that politicians are expecting you to pay for their frivolous spending and corruption.
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Answer 9 out of 12

by yoho05 reminds you to DYOH on Aug 9, 2007 at 5:31 am Permalink

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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.
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Answer 10 out of 12

by Halskiisaklink on Aug 9, 2007 at 8:42 am Permalink

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Richard Simmons.
Many times I hear the expression "left holding the bag". What exactly is inside of that "bag"?: by Sheriff Raff  -Answerhag : Picture 1
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