Bag and Baggage – Meaning & Usage Examples

Explore the idiom ‘bag and baggage’ as we delve into its meaning, trace its origin, examine real-life examples, and even discover quotes that shed light on the essence of this expressive phrase. Ready for a linguistic journey? Let’s get started!

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘bag and baggage’ is used to express the idea of carrying all of one’s belongings or possessions when leaving a place. It signifies a complete and thorough departure, often implying that nothing is left behind. The phrase is commonly used in the context of moving out or vacating a location entirely.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of “bag and baggage” dates back to the practice of travelers carrying their belongings in bags, often bundled together. Over time, the expression became idiomatic, representing a comprehensive departure with all personal items packed and ready to go.

10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations

1. After the dispute with the landlord, Mary left the apartment, taking all her possessions with her—she left bag and baggage.

2. The employees were asked to vacate the office premises immediately, leaving behind no trace—they had to leave bag and baggage.

3. As the storm approached, the residents were advised to evacuate bag and baggage to ensure their safety.

4. The nomadic tribe moved from one grazing area to another, taking their tents and belongings with them—truly a bag-and-baggage migration.

5. When the hotel faced closure, the guests had to leave bag and baggage, finding alternative accommodations in the area.

6. The explorer ventured into the wilderness, carrying everything needed for survival—truly embarking bag and baggage on a challenging expedition.

7. In the face of the impending hurricane, the coastal residents were urged to evacuate bag and baggage to safer inland areas.

8. The family decided to sell their house and move to a different country, transporting all their belongings with them—relocating bag and baggage.

9. As the military unit shifted its base, they ensured to relocate bag and baggage, leaving no equipment or supplies behind.

10. Facing financial difficulties, John had to leave his apartment bag and baggage, downsizing to a smaller living space.

10 Quotes Using the Idiom

1. “In times of change, we often need to embrace the unknown and be ready to leave bag and baggage for new opportunities.” – Unknown

2. “Life’s journey is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, we must be prepared to move bag and baggage to discover new horizons.” – Unknown

3. “Leaving bag and baggage is not just a physical act but a symbolic step towards a fresh start and new possibilities.” – Unknown

4. “The decision to relocate bag and baggage requires courage, as it means letting go of the familiar and embracing the unknown.” – Unknown

5. “When faced with adversity, sometimes the best course of action is to gather your strength, leave bag and baggage, and start anew.” – Unknown

6. “Every ending is a new beginning; leaving bag and baggage signifies the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.” – Unknown

7. “The traveler’s heart is always ready to leave bag and baggage, for the road holds the promise of adventure and self-discovery.” – Unknown

8. “To truly explore what life has to offer, one must be willing to leave bag and baggage and step into the unknown with an open heart.” – Unknown

9. “Change is the only constant, and the ability to leave bag and baggage is a skill that empowers us to navigate life’s ever-shifting landscape.” – Unknown

10. “Embrace the journey, embrace change; leave bag and baggage, and let the path unfold before you with endless possibilities.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter B

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter B. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘B’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the B-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter B.

Related Idioms:

Leave a Reply