1. plural of handbasket; small baskets with handles, typically used for carrying items by hand
Usage: usually plural; common in domestic and retail contexts
2. used in the phrase 'going to hell in a handbasket' meaning deteriorating rapidly or heading toward disaster
Usage: idiomatic; informal

Examples

• She carried the groceries in two handbaskets from the market.
• The store sells woven handbaskets in various sizes.
• The project is going to hell in a handbasket if we don't get more funding.
• Handbaskets lined the shelves of the gift shop.
• He filled several handbaskets with fresh produce at the farmer's market.
• Without proper management, the company's finances are heading to hell in a handbasket.