# give someone the bag

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-the-bag
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To disappoint (someone).

## Examples

- I hope he does not give me the bag today.
- The team worked hard all month, but the manager gave them the bag at the final meeting.
- Despite his initial promises of a promotion, the director gave the candidate the bag, leaving him frustrated and without a clear path forward.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.