in the sack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the sack" can be used in written English in certain contexts.
It is typically used to mean "in bed asleep" or "asleep in a sleeping bag," though it can also refer to money or other items that are placed in a bag or sack. For example, you could say "After our long trek, we were all in the sack by 9 o'clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I knew what was in the sack.

The New Yorker

Get creative in the sack.

The Guardian - Film

In the sack, yes, yes.

The New York Times

Nothing is accomplished by staying in the sack.

The New York Times

Even in the sack — you got more breath".

The New York Times - Magazine

There were several extra dowels in the sack.

The Guardian - Books

Your mom's still in the sack.' And at first there was no answer.

The New Yorker

Much literature was lost in the sack of Ayutthaya by Hsinbyushin of Myanmar (Burma) in 1767.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, as if that weren't bad enough, half the time Swayze isn't even in the sack.

The New Yorker

So we dug a hole, threw in the sack and drew a map.

The New York Times

This, after the former spouses had enjoyed a romp in the sack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the sack" to refer to sexual activity, consider your audience and the context to avoid causing offense. A more direct or clinical term might be appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "in the sack" when you literally mean something is inside a physical sack. Choose clearer phrasing such as "inside the bag" to avoid confusion. The phrase is predominantly understood as referring to sleep or sexual activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the sack" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or state. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies being asleep in bed or engaging in sexual activity. This dual meaning requires careful contextual understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the sack" is a prepositional phrase primarily used to denote either sleeping in bed or, more euphemistically, engaging in sexual activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. However, its informal nature means it's best to avoid using it in formal or professional settings. Be mindful of potential misunderstandings and consider using more direct language for clarity when needed. Alternatives include "asleep in bed" or, more directly, "having sex", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asleep in bed

Focuses specifically on the state of being asleep and the location as a bed.

in bed

A more general term indicating presence in bed, without explicitly stating sleep.

between the sheets

Euphemistic expression for being in bed, often with romantic or sexual connotations.

having a romp

Informal term indicating playful or energetic activity, often with sexual undertones.

having sex

Specifically refers to the act of sexual intercourse.

getting intimate

Euphemism for becoming physically close or sexually active.

sleeping

Describes the act of sleeping, regardless of location.

contained within

General term indicating something is enclosed or held inside something else.

inside the bag

Refers to the physical location of something within a bag.

within the confines

Emphasizes the restrictive or limiting nature of being inside something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "in the sack" mean?

The phrase "in the sack" typically means either in bed and asleep, or it's used as a euphemism for sexual activity. The specific meaning depends on the context.

Is "in the sack" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "in the sack" is generally considered informal. In formal or professional contexts, it's better to use more direct and less ambiguous language.

How can I use "in the sack" in a sentence?

You can use "in the sack" to mean someone is sleeping, as in "After a long day, everyone was /s/asleep+in+bed in the sack". Alternatively, you can use it euphemistically for sexual activity, as in "They enjoyed a /s/having+a+romp in the sack".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the sack"?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives to "in the sack" include "/s/asleep+in+bed", "/s/between+the+sheets", or more explicitly, "/s/having+sex". Choose the alternative that best fits your context and desired level of formality.