Bag and Baggage Meaning, Example, Synonyms

The idiom “Bag and Baggage” means moving with entire belongings. One’s entire, entire possessions, especially with regard to leaving with them. For instance, John left his employment that day with his suitcase and belongings. This expression, which dates back to the 1400s, originally referred to an army’s goods. To march off bag and baggage, then, suggested that the army was leaving nothing behind for the enemy to use. The late 1500s had moved it to other possessions.

People often use the expression ‘bag and baggage’ as a metaphor for requesting someone to quit or withdraw from a labour queue. Today, people commonly use the phrase “forced to leave suddenly” in an active voice. It suggests that someone or something compels a person to depart abruptly, implying that everything connected with them is taken away at once, leaving nothing behind. As a result, this figure of speech denotes a complete break from any specific setting or situation.

Usage with Example

To illustrate, we say that someone who leaves their work or position with no intention of returning is “leaving with bag and baggage.” Similarly, we say that someone who moves away from home permanently and carries all of their belongings with them is “moving with bag and baggage.”

• She packed up her “bag and baggage” and relocated to a new city.
• He complied when asked to depart the team, taking his bag and baggage.
• He packed up his “bag and baggage” when he made the decision to leave his employment, and he hasn’t looked back since.
• The landlord demanded that her tenants leave the property bag and baggage in a week because she had become tired of their outbursts.

Also Read: Break the Ice- Idiom

Bag and Baggage Synonyms and Similar Words

A few synonyms for the idiom bag and baggage are:

• Handbag
• Carry on
• Carry all
• Luggage 
• Rucksack
• Kit Bag
• Suitcase
• Travelling Case

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Bag and Baggage Meaning Quiz

He was asked to leave with his bag and baggage as he

• Betrayed the team
• Wanted to travel
• Wanted to explore a new city

Answer: Betrayed the team

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom “Bag and Baggage” meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.