hanging over the basket is an expression used mostly on
industrial and business environments that refers to an
individual being on a powerless or difficult situation with limited options to get past it. It is also used as a threatening expression that shows that an
individual has the power to control or manipulate someone else.
- I've been trying to get a raise so I can't really complain about some of my job's situation. My boss has me
hanging over the basket!
- If you don't have that package shipped by Wendesday, mark my words, I'll have you
hanging over the basket...