PhrasesHub

In the cart

    Definitions

      • in trouble
        To be in a difficult or challenging situation, often as a result of one's own actions or decisions

      • in a committed position
        Being in a situation where one is unable to easily change their mind or course of action

      • in the process of being completed
        Referring to something that is currently being worked on or dealt with

    Examples of In the cart

    • She has everything in the cart except the milk.

      This example is using the idiom "in the cart" to mean that the person has gathered all the items she needs, except for one specific item, which is the milk.

    • After browsing through the store, we had too many items in the cart to carry by ourselves.

      In this example, "in the cart" is being used to describe the accumulation of a large quantity of items that have been selected for purchase.

    • I accidentally left my wallet in the cart and it was gone when I returned.

      Here, "in the cart" is being used as a metaphor for a temporary location, implying that the wallet was left in a specific spot and then abandoned by the speaker.

    • I saw a man pushing a cart filled with gardening supplies at the hardware store.

      In this example, "in the cart" is being used to describe thespecific contents of a grocery or hardware store shopping cart. This example showcases how versatile the idiom can be - it can be applied to a wide variety of items in a cart, not just groceries or household supplies.

    • Sara bought so many groceries today that they practically filled the cart.

      When we say "in the cart" in this context, we're referring to the grocery cart that people use at supermarkets or grocery stores. When the items in the cart take up a lot of space, we say they're "in the cart" to describe how full the cart is. In this example, Sara bought a lot of groceries, and the cart became very full as a result.

    • My mom always says that we can't afford to put everything on the list "in the cart."

      When we say "everything on the list," we're talking about all the items that we planned to buy when we made our grocery list. In this example, the speaker's mom is cautioning them against buying too many things at once, because they might not have enough money to cover all the expenses. By saying "in the cart," we're implying that putting too many items in the cart at once can lead to overspending.

    • The supermarket's "10 items or less" line was causing a problem because everyone was trying to fit too many items "in the cart."

      When we say "10 items or less," we're referring to a special lane at the supermarket that's only for people who have fewer than 10 items in their cart. In this example, there are too many people trying to fit too many items into their carts, causing a line to form in this lane. By saying "in the cart," we're implying that people are having a hard time fitting all their items into this lane, and it's causing a bottleneck in the checkout process.

    • The farmer's market had such fresh produce that some people filled their carts "to the brim."

      When we say "filled their carts to the brim," we're implying that the carts were so full that there was no more room in them. By saying "filled their carts to the brim," we're implying that the produce was so fresh and high-quality that people couldn't resist buying a lot of it. It's a way of describing how enthusiastic people were about the produce.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in the cart" can be used to convey different meanings depending on the context. It can indicate being in trouble, being committed, or being in the process of being completed. In each case, it serves as a colorful way to express a particular situation or state of being.

    In the first meaning, "in the cart" is used to convey a sense of being in a difficult or challenging situation, often due to one's own actions. This can be a warning or a statement of fact about the predicament someone finds themselves in.

    The second meaning suggests being in a committed position, where changing one's mind or course of action is difficult. This can be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to easily back out of a decision or commitment.

    The third meaning refers to the process of something being completed or worked on. This can be used to indicate that a task or project is currently underway and in the process of being finished.

    Overall, "in the cart" is a versatile idiom that can be used to convey different situations and states of being.

    Origin of "In the cart"

    The origin of the idiom "in the cart" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have originated from the literal meaning of the word "cart." A cart is a vehicle used for transporting goods, and being "in the cart" could have originally referred to being in a situation where one is figuratively "transported" to a difficult or committed position. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass various meanings related to trouble, commitment, and the completion of tasks or projects. Its origins likely stem from the practical use of carts in transportation and the associations with being in a fixed or challenging position. While there is no specific historical record of the idiom's origins, its usage has become a common part of the English language. Examples of its use can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.