(a) mixed bag
Meaning(s)
1. an assortment of different things or people, containing both positive and negative aspects
Popularity
Low
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
the weather was a mixed bag
Analysis
If you describe something as 'a mixed bag' it means an assortment of things or a diverse array of things or people. When something is referred to as 'a mixed bag' it usually contains both positive and negative aspects of something. This is a casual expression used more in informal contexts. Similar in meaning to 'a variety', 'an assortment' and 'a mixture'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- The weather today was a bit of a mixed bag. It started off sunny, but by early evening it began to rain heavily.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- There's a real mixed bag of people in the office. It's nice to work in such a diverse group.
- In his performance review, Adam was told that his work lately has been a mixed bag. While he had done well in certain aspects, he had struggled badly in others.