feed bag
Low-frequencyInformal, Rural/Agricultural
Definition
Meaning
A bag containing feed, hung from a horse's head to allow it to eat.
Can refer more generally to a bag used for feeding any animal. It's also used in the idiom 'put on the feed bag' to mean to eat a meal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is mostly literal and specific to animal husbandry. Its figurative use in the idiom is informal and somewhat humorous or dated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. The literal term 'feed bag' is common in both varieties. The idiom 'put on the feed bag' is more recognisable in American English.
Connotations
In both, the literal term has neutral, practical connotations (farming/riding). In American English, the idiom has a folksy, informal, sometimes rustic connotation.
Frequency
The literal term is low-frequency in both. The idiom has very low frequency and is considered dated or regional in the UK.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V + the + feed bag (e.g., hang, fill)V + prep + the + feed bag (e.g., put on the feed bag)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put on the feed bag (to eat a meal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare, only in specific equestrian or agricultural supply businesses.
Academic
Rare, found in historical or agricultural studies.
Everyday
Low; mostly used by people involved with horses or in rural settings. The idiom is a humorous way to say 'eat'.
Technical
Used in equestrian, farming, and veterinary contexts as a standard term for the equipment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- After the long hike, we were ready to put on the feed bag at the diner.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The horse has a brown feed bag.
- The farmer filled the feed bag with oats for the horse.
- Before the long ride, make sure the horse's feed bag is securely fastened.
- The equestrian conference included a workshop on selecting the right type of feed bag to prevent feed spillage and ensure animal comfort.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A horse needs to FEED, and it keeps the food in a BAG on its nose. So, a FEED BAG.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOUTH/STOMACH IS A CONTAINER (via the idiom: 'put on the feed bag' implies filling that container).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "кормить сумка". The correct Russian equivalent for the object is "торба (для овса)", "мешок для корма", or specifically "торба (на морду лошади)". The idiom translates conceptually as "поставить на корм" or more naturally "приступить к еде", "пообедать".
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as one word: "feedbag" (acceptable variant but less common).
- Confusing with a general shopping or grocery bag.
- Using the idiom in formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'feed bag'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'feed bag' (two words) and 'feedbag' (one word) are acceptable, though 'feed bag' is more common in formal dictionaries.
Yes, while most associated with horses, it can refer to a bag for feeding any animal, such as a goat or sheep.
No, it's quite informal, somewhat dated, and has a rustic or humorous feel. It's more common in American English.
'Nosebag' is a very common synonym in British English, used for both the literal object and in the equivalent idiom ('put on the nosebag').