bag job

noun

, Slang.

1. illegal entry, especially as authorized by an agency of the federal government to gather criminal evidence, install listening devices, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bag job¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“In the spy trade we call it a ‘black bag job,’” he said.

From Literature

Normally spies didn’t want to be seen on the way to a black bag job, but they weren’t particularly worried.

From Literature

Liddy proposed a late-night visit to Fielding’s office—a “black bag job,” he called it.

From Literature

When they got back to Washington, Liddy said, he’d suggest a bag job at Fielding's apartment.

From Literature

Your husband has pulled off the ultimate bag job, and now he wants to show up with a kitten, which is tantamount to announcing, “We’re the ones who killed your widdle puddy tat!”

From Slate