out of a paper bag

== English == === Alternative forms === way out of a wet paper bag === Etymology === Most likely originating as, He couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag. === Pronunciation === === Phrase === way out of a paper bag (slang, idiomatic, formulaic) A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform. ==== See also ==== couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery enough sense to pound sand into a rathole know one's ass from a hole in the ground