Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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prep_phrase
To go to a bad state of affairs quickly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic, informal
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Images in church iconography suggest similar phrases may date back to 1515. The first attestation is from 1682, the variation to hell in a handcart is attested since 1841, and a phrase similar to to heaven in a wheelbarrow is first attested in 1618. The popularity of the variation "to hell in a handbasket" may be connected to its alliteration.
Across languages
13 source translations are retained for this English entry.
