Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container made from paper: A "paper bag" is a disposable bag constructed from paper, typically brown kraft paper, used to hold and carry items.
   • A simple, flexible container for purchases: It is commonly provided by retailers to customers for carrying goods, especially groceries or takeaway food.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She packed her lunch in a paper bag.
  • The clerk put the apples and bread into a sturdy paper bag.
  • Please recycle your paper bags after use.

Advanced Usage

• "To be left holding the paper bag": An idiom meaning to be left with the responsibility, blame, or undesirable outcome of a situation.
  • After the project failed, he was left holding the paper bag.

Variants and Related Words

• Sack: Often used interchangeably, though a "sack" can be larger and made of various materials.
  • A sack of potatoes.
• Carrier bag: A more general term for a bag given by a shop to carry purchases.
• Pouch: A small bag or sack.

Synonyms

• Sack
• Pouch
• Carrier bag

Related Phrases

• Brown bag: Refers to the practice of bringing a meal from home, typically in a paper bag, or to an event where attendees do this.
  • We're having a brown bag lunch meeting tomorrow.

Related Idioms

• "Paper bag test": A historical and discriminatory practice, now considered offensive, used to judge social acceptance based on skin color being lighter than a brown paper bag.
  • The "paper bag test" is a shameful part of history.
• "Couldn't fight his/her way out of a paper bag": An idiom describing someone as very weak, ineffectual, or lacking in skill or courage.
  • He's so timid, he couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag.

Noun

1. a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases