PhrasesHub

(Go to) Hell in a handbasket

    Definitions

      • deteriorate rapidly
        Describe a situation where things are rapidly getting worse or going downhill

      • end up in a bad situation
        Express the inevitability of a negative outcome or the direction in which something is heading

    Examples of (Go to) Hell in a handbasket

    • The school's reputation has been going to hell in a handbasket ever since the scandal broke out.

      This idiom is often used figuratively to describe a downward spiral or rapid decline of a situation, organisation or reputation. In this example, the school's reputation is deteriorating at a rapid pace, similar to something that's headed to hell or a negative outcome in a fast-paced manner.

    • The country's economy seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, with inflation and unemployment rates on the rise.

      Here, the country's economy is depicted as spiraling out of control, with high inflation and unemployment rates contributing to its rapid and negative decline, much like something that's headed for a dire outcome.

    • Since the new management took over, the company has been going to hell in a handbasket.

      The company's performance has taken a negative turn since the new management took charge, akin to something that's headed to hell in a rapid and disastrous fashion.

    • After the product launch, the customer feedback has been going to hell in a handbasket.

      In this scenario, the product's reception by the customers has been overwhelmingly negative, much like something that's headed to hell at a fast pace due to its poor performance or negative feedback.

    • The economy has been going to hell in a handbasket ever since the pandemic hit.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation that is rapidly deteriorating and becoming worse by the minute. Here, it is being used to express that the economy has experienced a significant decline since the pandemic began.

    • Our relationship is heading straight to hell in a handbasket if we don't address the communication issues between us.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation that is worsening due to a lack of action or effort. By saying that the relationship is "going to hell in a handbasket," the speaker is implying that the relationship is in serious trouble and needs attention to prevent it from getting even worse.

    • The political climate is going to hell in a handbasket with all the controversy and chaos in government.

      In this example, the idiom is being used to describe a chaotic and tumultuous political environment. The speaker is implying that the current state of politics is becoming increasingly problematic and difficult to manage.

    • Our team's performance in the last few games has been going to hell in a handbasket, and we need to turn things around before it's too late.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe a situation where a team's performance is rapidly declining. By saying that their performance is "going to hell in a handbasket," the speaker is highlighting the fact that the team's success is falling apart quickly and urgently needs improvement.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "go to hell in a handbasket" is used to convey the idea that a situation is rapidly deteriorating or heading towards a negative outcome. It is often employed to emphasize the speed and severity of the decline, as well as to suggest the inevitability of a negative outcome. This idiom is typically used in informal conversations and is often employed to express frustration or dismay about a situation.

    Origin of "(Go to) Hell in a handbasket"

    The origin of the idiom "go to hell in a handbasket" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in America in the 19th century. The exact origin is unknown, but it is thought to have evolved from earlier expressions that conveyed the idea of a rapid decline or a dire situation. The use of "hell" in the idiom serves to emphasize the severity of the situation, while the image of a "handbasket" suggests a quick and uncontrollable descent.

    One theory is that the idiom may have originated from the concept of a "handbasket" being a small and easily transportable container, thus symbolizing a quick and effortless journey to a negative destination. The addition of "hell" to the expression further emphasizes the dire nature of the situation. Over time, the idiom has become a popular way to succinctly convey the idea of a rapid and inevitable decline.