hold the bag . hold the bag {v. phr.} To be made liable for or victimized. We went out to dinner together but when it was time to pay I was left holding the bag. Categories: add yours time {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: H Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry