ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brown bag

idiom
Meaning

A short presentation or seminar on a given subject, especially one given at lunchtime.


Origin

disputed origin

(presentation): From the brown paper bag traditionally used to carry one's own packed lunch from home.

Examples
SIMPLE

We are having a brown bag about the new software today.

CONTEXTUAL

The marketing team organized a brown bag to discuss the upcoming project while everyone eats lunch.

COMPLEX

The department head scheduled a brown bag to share recent research findings, encouraging staff to attend during their midday break.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bag of bones

    A skinny, malnourished person or animal.

  2. 02

    bag of tricks

    A set of skills, techniques, items of information, or other resources used to help achieve professional or personal goals.

  3. 03

    brown bread

    Dead.

  4. 04

    brown noser

    One who brownnoses (flatters or humors somebody in an obsequious manner for personal gain); one who sucks up; a bootlicker, dickrider, ass-kisser, sycophant.

  5. 05

    brown power

    The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.

  6. 06

    brown study

    A melancholy mood accompanied by deep thought; a moody daydream.

  7. 07

    brown thumb

    A lack of skill at growing plants; a poor gardening skill.

  8. 08

    give someone the bag

    To disappoint (someone).

© 2026 English Reference