Be Left Holding The Bag

Pronunciation: /bi lɛft ˈhoʊldɪŋ ðə bæɡ/

Definitions of be left holding the bag

verb action word indicating the act of being left holding the bag

Example Sentences

A1 I don't want to be left holding the bag when it comes to cleaning up after the party.

A2 She was left holding the bag when her friends ditched her at the concert.

B1 The new employee was left holding the bag when the project deadline was moved up.

B2 The manager didn't want to be left holding the bag if the sales numbers didn't meet expectations.

C1 The politician was left holding the bag when the scandal broke out.

C2 The CEO refused to be left holding the bag for the company's financial losses.

Examples of be left holding the bag in a Sentence

formal After the company went bankrupt, the shareholders were left holding the bag.

informal I can't believe he skipped out on the bill and left us holding the bag!

slang She promised to help with the project, but then bailed and left me holding the bag.

figurative When the project failed, everyone pointed fingers and I was left holding the bag.

Grammatical Forms of be left holding the bag

• past tense: was left holding the bag
• plural: are left holding the bag
• comparative: more left holding the bag
• superlative: most left holding the bag
• present tense: am left holding the bag
• future tense: will be left holding the bag
• perfect tense: have been left holding the bag
• continuous tense: is being left holding the bag
• singular: is left holding the bag
• positive degree: left holding the bag
• infinitive: to be left holding the bag
• gerund: being left holding the bag
• participle: left holding the bag

Origin and Evolution of be left holding the bag

First Known Use: 1700 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The origin of the phrase 'be left holding the bag' comes from the practice of con artists in the 18th century who would deceive someone into holding their bag of stolen goods while they made a quick escape.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean being left with the responsibility or consequences of something, often without warning or support.