Meaning of way out of a paper bag | Babel Free

Definitions

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

idiomatic, slang

Examples

“My boss is so clueless, he couldn't schedule his own way out of a paper bag.”

“Junior varsity couldn't play their way out of a paper bag in comparison.”

“The old chap did not look as though he could push his way out of a paper bag.”

“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”

“To be fair, many people who couldn’t punctuate their way out of a paper bag are still interested in the way punctuation can alter the sense of a string of words. It is the basis of all “I’m sorry, I’ll read that again” jokes.”

““You'd hate his cooking[,” he said.] “Most guys can't cook their way out of a paper bag[,” Charlotte said.]”

CEFR level