Going to hell in a handbasket

To be going to hell in a handbasket is to be rapidly deteriorating - on course for disaster.
Simply put, things get worse and worse and don't seem to get better.

The virus is killing millions of people and thousands of people got laid off. I hate to tell you this but things going to hell in a handbasket.

by Mechavelli June 3, 2020

Going to hell in a handbasket

Going to hell in a handbasket is defined as a situation, a place, or a person, or an object headed for disaster inescapably and/or precipitately. When used to describe an object or a house, it means that the object or house is becoming derelict, dangerous to live in, a hazard, and incredibly damaged, or already is.

Synonyms "going to hell in a handcart", "going to hell in a handbag", "go to hell in a bucket", "sending something to hell in a handbasket" and "something being like hell in a handbasket".

Example 1
Person 1: That hoarder house went to hell in a handbasket after that tree branch collapsed the roof.

Person 2: The owner still hasn't repaired the roof.

Example 2
To individuals observing the United States of America from outside of the United States of America during the last 5 years, it looks like the United States of America is going to hell in a handbasket.

by Annoyed Civilian October 14, 2020

Going to hell in a handbasket

In the 1890s in San Fransciso there was a popular hooker named Helena who was recognizable in that she always carried a small handbasket instead of a purse or handbag; hence she acquired the nickname "Helena Handbasket". Sailors arriving in the port would often say things like "I'm gonna look up Helena Handbasket tonight" or in announcing their intention of what to do after a night at the bar, "Now I'm going to Helena Handbasket", which by association with the sinful nature of the activity involved, became the mondigreen, "going to hell in a handbasket".

Hey dude, if you don't stop chasing so much pussy you're going to hell in a handbasket.

by ostrogoth February 2, 2024

you're going to hell in a hand basket

Not merely "going to hell", but going to hell easily and rapidly; beyond hope.

Now you've REALLY gone and done it; you're going to hell in a hand basket.

by voiceofgod February 12, 2006

you're going to hell in a hand basket

that what you are doing is so bad that, you are going down by the law or with someone that you've hurt and;or you have sinned alot. the devil is carring the basket personally

you cheated on her and when she finds out; you're going to hell in a hand basket

by zekeharris February 4, 2006