handbasket

noun

hand·​bas·​ket ˈhan(d)-ˌba-skət 

: a small portable basket

—usually used in the phrase to hell in a handbasket denoting rapid and utter ruination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

If the purpose of this essay were to merely shout at the heavens, proclaiming that the world is going to hell in a handbasket because of rampant biblical illiteracy on Earth, many may be tempted to dismiss my concerns — flippantly enough. —Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 17 Sep. 2020

At least as much as an unemployed football coach and his hell-in-a-handbasket Mayberry RFD nostalgia. —al, 10 Dec. 2019

On the 1st hole, a gone-to-hell-in-a-handbasket iron plops down in the second cut. —Jack Mccallum, SI.com, 27 June 2018

Theft, West Bagley Road: Police hope to identify and arrest a man who stole a handbasket filled with merchandise at about 3:45 p.m. July 24 from Dollar General, 390 West Bagley Road. —Bob Sandrick, cleveland.com, 27 July 2017

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing handbasket

• go to hell in a handbasket

• go to hell in a handbasket