way out of a paper bag

English - English

Definition of way out of a paper bag in English English dictionary

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

Personally I don’t think this egg could punch his way out of a paper bag. He’s only been workin’ in this trap two days.

Hyphenation

way out of a pa·per bag

Turkish pronunciation

wey aut ıv ı peypır bäg

Pronunciation

/ˈwā ˈout əv ə ˈpāpər ˈbag/ /ˈweɪ ˈaʊt əv ə ˈpeɪpɜr ˈbæɡ/

Etymology

() Possibly from "he couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag."