Bag and Baggage: Packing Up Your Life’s Circus 🧳
Definition: Refers to departing with all one’s belongings, often implying a complete move. Originally a military term indicating that an army was leaving with its entire property, not surrendering anything to the enemy.
Synonyms
- Kit and caboodle
- Whole hog
- Everything but the kitchen sink
Antonyms
- Leaving empty-handed
- Going solo
- Starting fresh (without bringing anything from the past)
Quotes
- “Come, shepherd, let us make an honourable retreat; though not with bag and baggage, yet with scrip and scrippage.” – William Shakespeare, As You Like It
- “‘Bag and baggage,’ said she, ‘I’m glad you’re going,’” – Samuel Richardson, Pamela
Similar Phrases
- Kit and caboodle: Refers to everything and everyone within a group.
- Whole shebang: The entire thing; all parts of something.
- Lock, stock, and barrel: The entirety of something.
Related Proverbs and Expressions
- “Take only memories, leave only footprints” – Emphasizes impacting without taking physical belongings when departing.
- “Pack your troubles in your old kit-bag” – Suggests putting aside worries.
Literary and Pop Culture References
- Pamela by Samuel Richardson (1741): This classic novel mentions the phrase “bag and baggage,” illustrating a necessary and complete departure.
- As You Like It by William Shakespeare: Features an early usage that reflects both literal and figurative departures.
- The Sound of Music: Depicts an entire family departing with “bag and baggage,” fleeing danger while keeping their family intact.
Suggested Reading and Viewing
- Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – About embarking on life’s journey with everything meaningful.
- Movie: Up in the Air starring George Clooney – Explores life with minimal baggage, traveling frequently.
- Song: “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles – A musical take on making swift exits.
Inspiring Thought
Embrace the adventures of life, whether you pack lightly or take everything you treasure. Every journey is a story worth telling – most importantly, it should be your own tale of exploration and joyful farewell.
### What does "Bag and Baggage" mean?
- [x] Taking all your belongings when you leave
- [ ] Leaving without any possessions
- [ ] Traveling with minimal items
- [ ] Carrying only a bag
> **Explanation:** "Bag and baggage" means departing with all your possessions, indicating a complete move.
### Which of these phrases mean the entire thing?
- [ ] Bits and pieces
- [ ] On a lark
- [ ] A drop in the ocean
- [x] Lock, stock, and barrel
> **Explanation:** "Lock, stock, and barrel" is a phrase that means the entirety of something, much like "bag and baggage."
### True or False: 'Bag and baggage' originally had a military connotation.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, it initially referred to an army leaving with all its property, surrendering nothing to the enemy, before its meaning expanded.
Published by W.T. Wittywords on the 1st of October, 2023.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“May your bags be forever packed with dreams, and your soul unburdened by regret. Travel lightly but live fully, for every departure is but a prelude to the next grand arrival.”
