mixed bag

Noun

mixed bag (plural mixed bags)

1. Any bag containing a mixture of something.
   • a mixed bag of nuts
2. (broadly) A group of entities with few characteristics in common.
   • The people I met at the support group were a mixed bag: some were grouchy pessimists, and others were cheery do-gooders.

   Synonyms:

   assortment, rattlebag

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.
   • 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 fashion2011 January 22, Phil McNulty, “Aston Villa 1 - 0 Man City”, in BBC