Who was "Cut the Bag"

[xanadu]

My Gran and My Mum who both came from Edinburgh had some really funny sayings.  They used to say things like "Dont trust him he's a bigger liar than Cut The Bag" Does anyone know who Cut The Bag was ?  Also if I was out walking with Gran she would say "Take my arm. I mean no harm. I only smoke cigars".  Sadly they have both passed away and the rest of the family haven't got a clue where the sayings originated from.

Cheers

[eskimo]

A 'Cut the Bag' was a con-man and/or sneak thief.  It took rather a lot to be a bigger liar than that!  I don't know what the other expression means.

[jocook17]

Perhaps its from when men used to carry drawstring purses attached to their belts - they could be robbed by cutting the string

[Aggietait]

Must be an Edinburgh thing. I have heard this saying many times by both my parents and never thought to ask until tonight who he was. Haven't had any luck asking my much older sister but I'll keep asking the rest of the family.