handbags

British  

/ ˈhændˌbæɡz /

plural noun

1. facetious an incident in which people, esp sportsmen, fight or threaten to fight, but without real intent to inflict harm (esp in the phrases handbags at dawn, handbags at twenty paces, etc)

---

Example Sentences

"I don't think anyone would risk their career for furniture and handbags," she told the court.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In the lower court ruling, one of the handbags was not recognised as a bribe because it had been gifted to Kim before her husband's presidential inauguration.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

The southern island province became a duty-free magnet, packed with luxury storefronts, giant malls and travelers loading up on cosmetics, handbags and liquor instead of flying to Seoul, Tokyo or Paris.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

A burglary suspect was arrested after authorities found more than $6 million of stolen luxury items, including handbags and watches, in Riverside County, according to officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Saturday afternoon meant throngs of people on the sidewalk— young and old couples, women in pastel dresses clutching kids and handbags, everyone moving at a leisurely pace.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu