give someone the bag: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "give someone the bag" is a primarily American phrase that means to deceive or cheat someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is tricked or taken advantage of, resulting in a negative outcome for them.

The origin of this idiom remains unclear. There are no definitive sources documenting its exact beginnings. However, it has likely been in use for many decades.

One theory behind the idiom's origin is that it may stem from the practice of pickpocketing or stealing someone's belongings. In this sense, giving someone the bag would mean that you have successfully stolen their belongings from them, leaving them empty-handed and deceived.

Another possible origin could be related to the world of commerce and sales. In this context, giving someone the bag could refer to a seller misleading or deceiving a customer, leading them to make a purchase that is ultimately disadvantageous or unfavorable to them.

Despite the unknown origin, the idiom "give someone the bag" continues to be used in contemporary American English to convey the idea of deceiving or cheating someone. It serves as a cautionary phrase, reminding individuals to be vigilant in their dealings and interactions to avoid being taken advantage of.

Now, let's explore how the idiom "give someone the bag" is related to other idioms:

"stab in the back" is another idiom that shares a similar meaning with "give someone the bag." Both idioms describe acts of deceit or betrayal. However, "stab in the back" focuses more on the idea of betrayal and betrayal of trust. It implies that someone who you thought was on your side has turned against you in a sneaky and treacherous way. On the other hand, "give someone the bag" emphasizes the act of deceiving or cheating someone, often resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived party.

Another related idiom is "hand someone his hat." This idiom also shares similarities with "give someone the bag" in terms of deception and negative outcomes. However, "hand someone his hat" specifically refers to defeating someone in a contest or competition. It suggests the idea of humiliating someone or defeating them so thoroughly that they are left with no choice but to leave the competition gracefully, symbolized by handing over their hat. In contrast, "give someone the bag" focuses more on the act of deceiving or cheating someone, resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived individual.

"get taken in" is yet another idiom with a similar meaning to "give someone the bag." Both idioms refer to being deceived or tricked by someone. However, "get taken in" implies a sense of vulnerability or naivety on the part of the person being deceived. It suggests that they fell for the deception and were duped or swindled as a result. "Give someone the bag," on the other hand, emphasizes the act of deceiving or cheating someone, often resulting in a negative outcome for the deceived party.

The idiom "give someone the bag" is a phrase used to describe deceiving or cheating someone. Its exact origin remains unknown, but it has likely been in use for many decades. Possible origins include pickpocketing and commerce. The idiom is related to other idioms such as "stab in the back," "hand someone his hat," and "get taken in," which also involve acts of deception or negative outcomes. The rich variety of idiomatic language adds depth and complexity to the English language.