English

Noun

mixed bag ‎(plural mixed bags)

1. Any bag containing a mixture of something.

   a mixed bag of nuts

2. By extension, a group of entities with few characteristics in common; an assortment.

   The people I met at the support group were a mixed bag: some were grouchy pessimists, and others were cheery do-gooders.

3. (idiomatic) something tending to have both good and bad results or characteristics; something having a mixture of advantages and disadvantages.

   Owning a car is a mixed bag. It is convenient, but also costly.

   • 2011 January 22, Phil McNulty, “Aston Villa 1 - 0 Man City”, in BBC:

     It was Villa, however, who posted the next moment of danger with another long-range effort from Young, forcing Hart - who had been a mixed bag throughout - to dive low to his right to save as Houllier's side continued to perform in a most encouraging fashion

Translations

See also

• grab bag
• goodie bag