English Explanatory Dictionary

way out of a paper bag

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform.

Pronunciation

En-au-way out of a paper bag.ogg

Word forms

way out of a paper bag way out of a wet paper bag

Etymology

Most likely originating as, He couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag.

Related words

couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery enough sense to pound sand into a rathole know one's ass from a hole in the ground
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