to hell in a handbasket
Going downhill fast
To hell in a handbasket describes rapid deterioration toward disaster or ruin: The whole project went to hell in a handbasket after the lead engineer quit.
The phrase emphasizes speed and inevitability—as if the descent requires no effort, just a passive ride in a basket.
Often used for situations, institutions, or society at large: This country is going to hell in a handbasket.
Sometimes shortened to in a handbasket.
- precipitousExtremely steep, almost vertical
- downhillToward the bottom
- doomUnavoidable grim fate
- down the tubesFailing beyond recovery
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
plummet · falling apart · falling to pieces · danger · worsen · deterioration · decline · on its last legs · unraveling · wheels coming off · ruin · downfall · apocalypse · end of days · circling the drain · destruction · on the skids · collapse
to hell in a handbasketon the up and up
Genuinely honest or lawful
turning the corner · on the rise · on the mend · getting better · improving
to hell in a handbasketin good hands
Under reliable care
shipshape · on an even keel · in fine fettle · smooth sailing · firing on all cylinders
to hell in a handbasketkeeping it together
Staying functional despite stress
stabilizing · on an even keel · shipshape · under control · status quo
handbasket, hells, hellish, hellishly, basket, baskets, hands, handed, handing