to hell in a handbasket

== English == === Alternative forms === to hell in a handcart === Etymology === 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. === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === to hell in a handbasket (idiomatic, informal) To go to a bad state of affairs quickly. ==== Translations ==== === References ===