bag of shells

The phrase "bag of shells" is often used humorously to indicate something of little importance, originating from a malapropism of "bagatelle."

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Definition

B2General

(informal, idiomatic)A trivial or insignificant matter.

Example

  • Don't worry about the cost; it's just a bag of shells.
  • Missing the bus was a bag of shells compared to losing my wallet.

A2General

(literal)A collection of seashells, often gathered from a beach.

Example

  • She brought home a bag of shells from her beach vacation.
  • The children collected a bag of shells to make crafts.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bag of shells":

bag upblue bagbag outbag of trickshalf shellbitch bagmystery bagboat shellchange bagin the bagblack bagditty bag