paper bag
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases