The Meaning:
The phrase generally means something is rapidly declining, going downhill, or heading towards ruin. It implies a sense of speed and inevitability.
Possible Origins:
* "Hand-Basket" as a Container: In the past, "hand-basket" was a common term for a type of basket used for carrying things. The idea could be that someone is being sent to hell in a basket, suggesting a swift and unremitting journey.
* "Hell-Basket" as a Term: There's some historical evidence of "hell-basket" being used as a term for a place of punishment, though this is less common.
* Figurative Usage: It's possible the phrase originated as a metaphor. The "handbasket" could represent a vehicle of decline, while "hell" signifies the ultimate destination of something heading towards ruin.
Earliest Known Usage:
The earliest documented use of the phrase appears to be in the late 19th century. There's a 1886 mention in a newspaper, and it seems to have become more common in the early 20th century.
The Phrase Today:
While its exact origin is unclear, "to hell in a handbasket" remains a common idiom in English. It's used to express dismay, frustration, or a sense of helplessness when witnessing something going wrong.