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

Figures from that grab-bag list also made their way into the requirements for United States history and government.

From The Daily Beast

The usual grab bag of pundits invested in the political status quo was quick to dismiss the question.

From The Daily Beast

As for the rest of the meeting last week, it was a grab-bag of potential culture-war battles, some big and some small.

From The Daily Beast

“Larry King Presides Over Grab-Bag Third-Party Presidential Debate,” at The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

A grab-bag of fascinations, for open the pages where one will, each chapter has its racy anecdote and astonishing story.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have been constructing a grab-bag, and you shall have the first grab;" and Norah brought out a bag made of rainbow ribbons.

From Project Gutenberg

"If you need anything more in the way of cheer, I will bring forth the grab-bag," said Norah, as she handed Alex some tea.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't know what I'll draw out of this grab bag next," and he plunged his arm in again.

From Project Gutenberg

Then you give the line a quick jerk, and pull in, hand over hand, and see what you have drawn from the grab-bag.

From Project Gutenberg