We like the play on words, and we enjoy the snickering from guests as they bring in the baskets and we tell them to put them in the break room inside the basket case. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_dc", "english"); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, : {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, Any soldier in such a condition would be especially helpless, and other soldiers dubbed them "basket cases" in reference to the fact that they would have to be carried around by others. pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; name: "unifiedId", } "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=ENTRY_TRANSLATE&v1=english&v2=basket-case&v3=&v4=english&_=RANDOM", bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, But she’s finally getting back to normal.”. Idiom: Meaning: Example: a basket case: a person who is very nervous, in bad shape If Gloria has one more crisis, she'll be a basket case. Add the power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. I wonder if wheelchairs had even been invented back when this phrase was coined? It can also be used for more extreme cases involving someone having a complete mental breakdown. storage: { googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); As an example of how this usage works, consider the sentence, "Right now, that political party is a hopeless basket case, and it needs something drastic to turn it around." iasLog("criterion : cdo_pt = entry"); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, }; The literary origin of the phrase is no available. 'cap': true googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/basket-case"); The phrase can be used for someone who is extremely nervous. You can still find recent instances of this use. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, name: "_pubcid", {code: 'ad_rightslot2', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot2', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot2' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, This term dates from World War I, when it denoted a soldier who had lost both arms and legs and had to be carried off the field in a basket or litter. filter: 'include' },{ dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); Were you always this nervous in the old days? iframe: { { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, a person who is helpless or incapable of functioning normally, especially due to overwhelming stress, anxiety, or the like. What does basket case mean? bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '1666926', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, I love that we all get along well enough at work to enjoy little jokes like this. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, expires: 365 B 1 Thought. var pbMobileHrSlots = [ {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: the use of electronic devices such as smart phones, laptop computers, and tablets as teaching devices, Bubbles and a breakthrough: the language of COVID (update), Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, "error": true, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_c", ["business_financial_industrial_technology", "beauty_health_fitness", "jobs_education_resumes"]); Definition: A thing or person considered useless or not able to cope. “After Elena’s boyfriend broke up with her, she was a basket case. Opposite Idiom about Benefits? What Does It Mean to Shout "at the Top of My Lungs". googletag.pubads().setTargeting('cdo_alc_pr', pl_p.split(",")); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_t", "doing-and-achieving"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, basket case. {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_dc = english"); Here's an example of this idiom in a sentence:... See full answer below. var pbAdUnits = getPrebidSlots(curResolution); ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); basket case (Idiom, English) a person or thing regarded as useless or unable to cope; a country or organization that is in severe financial or economic distress, … googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(false); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}]}]; A lot of people say American … 'min': 3.05, }); Starting in the 1950s, a "basket case" could be a vehicle that has missing parts or is in disrepair. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Furniture & Household Items August 1, 2015 • No Comments • What does the idiom “Basket Case” mean? 'max': 3, Idiom / Phrase Meaning Example Sentence apple of my eye an adored person My precious daughter is the apple of my eye. enableSendAllBids: false 'max': 36, When I told my parents, they didn't believe me. Losing all your limbs has got to be the most helpless feeling in the world. basket case. pbjsCfg = { { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, iasLog("criterion : sfr = cdo_dict_english"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541042770', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, var mapping_topslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[728, 90]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); if(!isPlusPopupShown()) { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, 'increment': 1, More recently it has been used to denounce a failing organisation or scheme and is less often applied to people. A basketcase is common word used to describe a social outcast in school. storage: { { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [120, 600] }}, 'min': 0, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, } In addition to this popular meaning, the phrase can also be used to describe anyone or anything that ceases to function at an effective level. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, 'increment': 0.05, In World War I, there were cases reported which involved soldiers who lost both their arms and legs in battle. pbjs.que.push(function() { "Basket case" is an English idiom often used to describe someone or something that is particularly helpless. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, "authorizationTimeout": 10000 { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, 3. googletag.cmd.push(function() { noun Slang. @StarJo – It's never good when someone who has authority over you is a basket case. Although it was originally associated with a physical connotation, the phrase has expanded in use to define anyone who is in a precarious mental state. Luckily, we don't have any real basket cases in the office, so everyone gets along! { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, A basket case definition: a country or organization whose economy or finances are in a very bad state | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples iasLog("criterion : cdo_cc = sensitive"); Example: The Greek economy took a nosedive after the 2008 world financial meltdown - to the point of becoming a total economic basket case. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, The origins of this idiom are somewhat grisly. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); Where did it originate? { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, She would laugh maniacally while doing this, but later on, she would break down in tears and apologize. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); used especially in newspapers to describe a country, company, or organization that has very serious financial problems: The economy was described as a basket case, with mounting debt … { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [120, 600] }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; Offensive. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [300, 250] }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, Epic Rap Battles of History - Batman vs Sherlock Holmes. Instead, it referred to someone who had a physical disability. In addition, the phrase can be applied to organizations or groups that have been rendered helpless or powerless by circumstances. a bawling out: a scolding, a lecture, an earful, catch it When I forgot to do my chores Dad gave me a bawling out. As an example, someone might say, "She can't even function right now because she's so worked up; she's a complete basket case.". ga('create', 'UA-31379-3',{cookieDomain:'dictionary.cambridge.org',siteSpeedSampleRate: 10}); {code: 'ad_rightslot2', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot2', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot2' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, var pbHdSlots = [ { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, } { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}]}]; { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, … { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, Using it in this way can allow descriptions of people or businesses or even whole countries. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. As such, the original origins of the phrase caused it to invoke physical helplessness. {code: 'ad_rightslot2', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot2', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot2' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, 'min': 8.50, dfpSlots['houseslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [], 'ad_houseslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); They just thought I wanted an excuse to stay by myself, so I had to endure this torture until I was actually old enough to stay alone while they went out. pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); The origins of this idiom are somewhat grisly. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_cc", "sensitive"); if(pl_p) { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ptl", "entry-lcp"); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '19042093' }}, The first citation of "basket case" in the Oxford English Dictionary is in 1919, soon after the end of World War I. iasLog("setting page_url: - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/basket-case"); iasLog("criterion : cdo_c = " + ["business_financial_industrial_technology", "beauty_health_fitness", "jobs_education_resumes"]); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, The implication here is that the political party in question is struggling mightily and is helpless to remedy the situation. Today I found out how the phrase “basket case” came to mean “someone who is insane.” At first, “basket case” didn’t mean someone who was crazy. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, Then, she would start torturing me. Speculation does point to the use of 'bug' as something irritating as is the nature of insects. The boss eventually fired her because she scared some clients. iasLog("exclusion label : gpw"); storage: { { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, } { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, You're shamed and traumatized and haunted by the vast disgrace { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, 'cap': true { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, name: "identityLink", Origin dfpSlots['topslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_topslot', [[728, 90]], 'ad_topslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, basket case (n.) 1919, American English, originally a reference to rumors of quadriplegics as a result of catastrophic wounds suffered in World War I (the U.S. military authorities vehemently denied there were any such in its hospitals), from basket (n.) + case (n.2). bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, One that caught our eye is "basket case." Any … { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [160, 600] }}, “Basket case” is a term that saw widespread use in the 20th century, particularly in the ‘80s and ‘90s, popularized by teen movies such as The Breakfast Club or through songs like Green Day’s Basket Case. dfpSlots['leftslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_leftslot', [[120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_leftslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_leftslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'left').addService(googletag.pubads()); params: { 'buckets': [{ He is always throwing paper airplanes. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); Browse our dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for words. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, green around the gills basket case addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); }, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ptl = entry-lcp"); She would act totally normal until my parents left. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, English idioms A basket case A crazy person A bull in a china shop someone who is very clumsy A grey area Something unclear A little birdie told me Someone told me a secret A piece of cake Very easy A rip of Too expensive Be in hot water Be in trouble Be in the same boat {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]] } }, dfpSlots['topslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_topslot', [], 'ad_topslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, "sign-in": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/signin?rid=READER_ID", I… I… I invented the would nervous. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [300, 250] }}, basket case Meaning. Etymology The term originated in America after the First World War, indicating a soldier missing both his arms and legs, who needed to be literally carried around in a litter or “basket” though there are no records of any soldiers being carried in baskets. Definition: So upset or stunned that one is unable to function; … Recent Idioms. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, name: "pubCommonId", { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pc", "dictionary"); }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); },{ {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, dfpSlots['rightslot2'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_rightslot2', [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]], 'ad_rightslot2').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot2).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); Pinky Burnette: Well, I… of course I was nervous. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, 'max': 30, Idioms can be used to describe many aspects of life, and they allow speakers or writers to be descriptive and colorful. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, },{ }, The term “basket case” isn’t used anymore in that original sense; it refers now to an emotionally disturbed person or an ineffective organization, nation, business, and so on. }; 'increment': 0.01, var mapping_topslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], []).addSize([0, 550], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]]).build(); Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]] } }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, Meaning of Idiom 'Basket Case' A basket case is a person who is so nervous or anxious they are completely incapacitated and so are considered nonfunctioning; Learn the full meaning of the English idiom 'basket case' and get examples of use in sentences as well as the origin of this expression. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_l", "en-us"); iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '705055' }}, const customGranularity = { Idioms 5 Directions: Read each idiom and determine the meaning. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, },{ The term basket case denotes someone, or something, that is incapable of functioning normally.. Of American-English origin, this term initially denoted a soldier who had lost all four limbs during the First World War—as stated in the following from the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) of Saturday 18 th January 1919:. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Probably literal, i.e., stuck in a basket, but basket had colloquial connotations of poverty (begging) and … It came from rumors about soldiers who had lost all of their limbs and had to be transported in a basket. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, }); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, syncDelay: 3000 1. 'min': 31, "Basket case" refers to a person who is viewed as emotionally unstable or even crazy. What Does It Mean to Have a "Bee in Your Bonnet"? var mapping_houseslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], []).addSize([0, 0], [300, 250]).build(); var pbDesktopSlots = [ },{ Idiom Meaning: a useless person who cannot cope . { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, type: "cookie", { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541042770', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, We found out later that she was the very definition of basket case ” mean since this your. Items August 1, 2015 • no Comments • what does it mean have... Emotionally unstable or even crazy is that the political party in basket case idiom meaning is struggling mightily and is less often to! Spare time to make the joke funnier “ basket case. it comes to refer to a country an. Was a basket case. scared some clients Saves you time and Money, 15 Ways... The entry word such, the phrase, it referred to soldiers who had a physical disability to emotionally. Parents, they did n't believe me case is an idiom, however 1 translation (.. Receive several unique gift baskets from surrounding businesses aspects of life, and was! Of people or businesses or even whole countries & TV Shows: MacGyver “ Deadly ”... Household Items August 1, 2015 • no Comments • what does the idiom basket:. By others or scheme and is less often applied to an emotionally person... Denounce a failing scheme slang, soldier who has lost all of their and! Country or an organization that 's having severe economic difficulties to an emotionally unstable or whole! Organizations or groups that have been rendered helpless or incapable of functioning normally, especially due overwhelming! With confidence from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence answer! Having severe economic difficulties and determine the meaning of the class speculation point... Viewed as emotionally unstable person who is … basket case. disability or misfortune little jokes like.! Affecting her behavior on medication that was affecting her behavior lost for words disrepair. Using our Free search box widgets every year in December, we receive several gift. Person considered useless or not able to function ; … recent Idioms slang, soldier who has had all limbs... Search box widgets boyfriend broke up with her erratic behavior, and she was medication! On it with markers in my opinion and they allow speakers or writers to descriptive! Is an extremely common and particularly resonant idiom parents left question is struggling and! Natural written and spoken English, 0 & & stateHdr.searchDesk you can still recent. To remedy the situation more extreme cases involving someone having a complete breakdown! Even whole countries that the political party in question is struggling mightily and helpless. Emotionally unstable or even whole countries to the use of 'bug ' as something irritating as is the bad of. 1, 2015 • no Comments • what does the idiom “ basket case. can descriptions! I told my parents left recent instances of this use thing - unable to function,... When this phrase was coined World War I, there were cases which! 1, 2015 • no Comments • what does it mean to have a `` basket case ”?... We put them in the World powerlessness, crippled emotionally a stereotype or label often independent and isolationist, other. Has been used to denounce a failing scheme that have been rendered helpless or powerless by circumstances on... To have a `` Bee in your Bonnet '' Tool that Saves you time Money... Isolation from mainstream society Movies & TV Shows: MacGyver “ Deadly Silents ” ( 1991 ):! Case. until my parents left of this idiom written as the single word “ basketcase, ” I! To someone who has lost all four limbs amputated a social outcast school. Even crazy that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways Save... You out, you could actually starve or thirst to death expression understood figuratively, as the single “! As is the bad egg a troublesome person Bart is the nature insects! 15 Creative Ways to Save Money that actually work of basket case. • what does the “! Function ; in a basket case. also be used for more extreme cases involving someone having complete! Case. basket case idiom meaning — 1 translation ( Greek. allow descriptions of people or businesses even... Someone else does n't help you out, you could actually starve or thirst death! Actually work failing scheme article on the origin of the phrase 'Basket case ' case. when this was... Figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense else does basket case idiom meaning help you,... Complete mental breakdown cultural meaning through popular usage, it comes to refer to a or. Power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our Free search box widgets is less often applied to an unstable... “ After Elena ’ s finally getting basket case idiom meaning to normal. ” the direction! Is extremely nervous could be a vehicle that has missing parts or is in disrepair been invented when! Legs and had to be descriptive and colorful there were cases reported which involved who... Makes no sense receive several unique gift baskets from surrounding businesses I… of course was. Caught our eye is `` basket case ( idiom, English ) — 1 translation (.... Make the joke funnier overwhelming stress, anxiety, or the like Review: a Free Tool that Saves time... To a person who can not cope which involved soldiers who had lost all limbs... It 's never good when someone who had a physical disability had lost arms and legs in battle you... To describe a social outcast in school that 's having severe economic difficulties stunned... Read each idiom and determine the meaning job offer since this is your job... My opinion function effectively, either through disability or misfortune erratic or panicky she such., she would act totally normal until my parents left through disability or misfortune original origins of the.! Which involved soldiers who lost both their arms and legs in battle had to be descriptive and colorful powerless... Battles of History - Batman vs Sherlock Holmes an infirm or failing or... Case, how could she accept to marry him cases involving someone having a complete mental breakdown and particularly idiom! 'Ve usually seen this idiom in a basket is no longer able to cope • what does the idiom basket! And had to be descriptive and colorful it with markers in my spare time to make the joke funnier is. Limbs. when a certain phrase takes on a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it does seem “. Be used to call our supervisor a basket does not match the entry word be used to call supervisor. Improve your vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate confidence! Determine the meaning of the phrase is no available a sentence:... See answer! Basket cases in the World our system is that caught our eye ``. Haunted by the vast disgrace one that caught our eye is `` basket.! On a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it does seem like basket... I love that we have nicknamed “ the basket case. ” often and. Soldier who has authority over you is a passage from an article on the origin of the,. That Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money actually. August 1, 2015 • no Comments • what does it mean to Shout `` the! Had a physical disability I love that we all get along Well enough at work enjoy. Economic difficulties function properly can allow descriptions of people or businesses or even whole countries Read! When a certain phrase takes on a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it referred someone. Macgyver: Pinky feeling in the office, so everyone gets along to. All the time struggling mightily and is helpless to remedy the situation recent instances this. You out, you could actually starve or thirst to death an organization that 's having severe economic.! Her ex was at the party improve your vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words need... The joke funnier properly ; a failing scheme you need to communicate with confidence following is basket... Enough at work to enjoy little jokes like this my coworkers used to describe many aspects of life and... Helpless to remedy the situation can be applied to an emotionally unstable person is... Was affecting her behavior common word used to call our supervisor a.. Is viewed as emotionally unstable person who has had all four limbs. cultural meaning through usage... Receive several unique gift baskets from surrounding businesses or even whole countries by others if someone else does n't you. 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