Leave somebody holding the bag
phrase
To let someone else take the blame or responsibility, especially unfairly.
When the company was found guilty of tax evasion, the bosses ran away and left the employees holding the bag.
Often appears as...
- left me holding the bag
- left him holding the bag
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To let someone else take the blame or responsibility, especially unfairly.
When the company was found guilty of tax evasion, the bosses ran away and left the employees holding the bag.
Often appears as...
- left me holding the bag
- left him holding the bag
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair Consequence
Used when someone unfairly ends up with the problem that someone else should handle.
When the project failed, John disappeared, leaving me holding the bag with the angry clients.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's figurative, meaning nobody is actually left holding a physical bag.
The other volunteers quit, leaving me holding the bag with all the planning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can express feelings of betrayal and frustration.
After supporting her campaign, she left us holding the bag when she switched parties.
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair Consequence
Used when someone unfairly ends up with the problem that someone else should handle.
When the project failed, John disappeared, leaving me holding the bag with the angry clients.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's figurative, meaning nobody is actually left holding a physical bag.
The other volunteers quit, leaving me holding the bag with all the planning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can express feelings of betrayal and frustration.
After supporting her campaign, she left us holding the bag when she switched parties.
Pro Tip 1/3Unfair Consequence
Used when someone unfairly ends up with the problem that someone else should handle.
When the project failed, John disappeared, leaving me holding the bag with the angry clients.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's figurative, meaning nobody is actually left holding a physical bag.
The other volunteers quit, leaving me holding the bag with all the planning.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can express feelings of betrayal and frustration.
After supporting her campaign, she left us holding the bag when she switched parties.
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