way out of a paper bag: meaning & examples

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Language: English

Meanings:

  • 2.

    GlobalinformalcolloquialMachine
    • A rhetorical negative construction employed to emphasize absence of skill or competence (e.g., 'couldn't X their way out of a paper bag').

    Examples

    Beta

    • He couldn’t organize his way out of a paper bag, which made him a terrible project manager.

      No podría organizarse ni para salir de una bolsa de papel, lo que lo hacía un mal gerente de proyecto.

    • They couldn’t negotiate their way out of a paper bag, so the deal fell through quickly.

      No pudieron negociar ni para salir de una bolsa de papel, así que el acuerdo fracasó rápidamente.

    • If you think they’re competent, just remember they couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag in any real crisis.

      Si crees que son competentes, solo recuerda que no podrían salir de una bolsa de papel en una crisis real.

  • 1.

    GlobalinformalcolloquialpejorativeMachine
    • Completely incapable or inept at a particular skill; unable to perform even under very easy or constrained circumstances.
    • Used to express that someone lacks the necessary ability, competence, or effectiveness in a given area.

    Examples

    Beta

    • Honestly, I think he couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag when it comes to fixing anything mechanical.

      Honestamente, creo que no podría salir de una bolsa de papel cuando se trata de arreglar algo mecánico.

    • She’s so bad at cooking, she couldn’t even find her way out of a paper bag in the kitchen.

      Es tan mala cocinando, que ni siquiera podría salir de una bolsa de papel en la cocina.

    • When it comes to dealing with customers, they couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag — it’s embarrassing.

      Cuando se trata de tratar con clientes, no podrían salir de una bolsa de papel; es vergonzoso.

Examples:

  • EN: He couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag.
    ES: Ves, se lo debo. Él no pudo luchar.
  • EN: But the night he fights his big fight, he won't be able to punch his way out of a paper bag.
    ES: Pero la noche de su gran pelea no será capaz de ganarle a nadie.
  • EN: (mumbles) couldn't shoot his way out of a paper bag (mumbles) - Get back.
    ES: No podía lograr nada con esa pistola, ¡míralo!
  • EN: So I think I'll always remember the... you know, trying to act - trying... to act my way out of a paper bag.
    ES: sabes, intentando actuar, intentando... actuar a mi manera.
  • EN: You can't sing your way out of a paper bag.
    ES: No podrías cantar ni para salvar la vida.
  • EN: He couldn't fuck his way out of a paper bag!
    ES: ¿Pero ese puede tirarse a alguien?
  • EN: are very hard to disprove especially if you get one of those new interns but they couldn't diagnose their way out of a paper bag we do all the work they get all the glory in the big footstool
    ES: Sí, está bien, buena elección lesiones en la espalda son muy difíciles de refutar, especialmente si obtienes uno de esos nuevos internos pero no pudieron diagnosticar su salida de Una bolsa de papel que hacemos todo el trabajo que reciben
  • EN: Yeah, it should be. You'd be surprised how many health professionals couldn't Heimlich their way out of a paper bag.
    ES: Sí, te sorprendería saber cuántos médicos no saben la técnica Heimlich.
  • EN: that hack couldn't direct his way out of a paper bag. Altman?
    ES: ¿Altman?
  • EN: ! You couldn't table-dance your way out of a paper bag!
    ES: ¡Si no sabes ni salir ni de una bolsa de papel!
  • EN: As we all know, Ira can't bluff his way out of a paper bag.
    ES: Como todos sabemos, lra no puede engañar.
  • EN: Well, looks like we got another crop of pathetic witches. You couldn't zap your way out of a paper bag. Prepare for inspection.
    ES: Bueno parece que tenemos otro cultivo patéltico de brujas no pueden conjurar la manera de salir de una bolsa de papel preparense para inspeccion
  • EN: McTeer couldn't saw his way out of a paper bag.
    ES: El es un habilidoso carpintero. McTeer no podría cortar una bolsa de papel.
  • EN: You couldn't hit your way out of a paper bag,
    ES: Tú no podrías batear para salir de una bolsa de papel,
  • EN: Don't look like a poker man, to me. Couldn't bluff your way out of a paper bag with that face.
    ES: - No pareces un jugador, tienes cara de embustero

Related Idioms

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Source: Wiktionary