Going to hell in a hand basket/handcart

This expression means to be on a course for disaster and is of American origin from the mid-19th century. There are connotations and allusions to criminals making their way from prison to the gallows in a handcart, as was commonly the case, or the collection of heads in baskets after decapitation, which was equally common in days gone by. There may be a connection here but etymologically speaking, it is unlikely and certainly not proven. Handcart seems more popular in Britain while hand basket is preferred in America.