in the bottom of the bag—(also: at the bottom of the bag) remaining as a last resource or possibility:
- If this be done, which is in the bottom of the bag, and must be done, we shall be able to buoy up our reputation.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in the bag—(sl.)
1. as good as certain; virtually assured:
- Winning this game is in the bag—we’re leading by five goals to nil.
2. totally intoxicated:
- One look at Bill’s eyes was enough to tell me he was in the bag.
Cf.: half in the bag —(sl.) slightly drunk:
- He had a shotgun next to the chair, and he was half in the bag from booze.
3. (UK Army WWI, WWII) taken prisoner or killed in battle:
- Tell him if he tries to stick it out, he’ll only end in the bag.
in the bottom of the barrel —(also: at the bottom of the barrel) among the worst or the least desirable elements of a particular group:
- Graduating in the 15 percent of one’s class from a bottom of the barrel school, still leaves you in the bottom of the barrel.