grab bag

noun

1. a container or receptacle from which a person at a party or the like draws a gift without knowing what it is.

2. any miscellaneous collection.

grab bag

noun

1. a collection of miscellaneous things

2. a bag or other container from which gifts are drawn at random

Word History and Origins

Origin of grab bag¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Idioms and Phrases

A miscellaneous collection, as in The meeting amounted to a grab bag of petty complaints. This term alludes to a container offered at a party or fair, where one dips in for a party favor or prize without knowing what one will get. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Food aid trucks arriving in the strip on Sunday were swarmed as desperate Palestinians tried to grab bags of flour from an aid truck near a food distribution point in Zikim, northern Gaza.

From BBC

“Perfect World” is the grab bag of the lot.

From Salon

I’m intrigued by Dorn’s suggestion of “baddie florals,” but I want to make sure I don’t end up with a grab bag of grandma scents.

From Los Angeles Times

Analysts and experts have offered a grab bag other explanations about why Trump made such an aggressive move on trade last week.

From BBC

After morning break, Mrs Curtis is putting together a grab bag for an eight-year-old pupil whose mum rang the school earlier to let them know they've had to leave their home in a hurry.

From BBC