{ bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, 1. 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. {code: 'ad_rightslot2', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot2', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot2' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, @StarJo – It's never good when someone who has authority over you is a basket case. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { iasLog("criterion : cdo_c = " + ["business_financial_industrial_technology", "beauty_health_fitness", "jobs_education_resumes"]); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(false); dfpSlots['houseslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [300, 250], 'ad_houseslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); Luckily, we don't have any real basket cases in the office, so everyone gets along! 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. Origin: The phrase initially referred to soldiers who lost their limbs, and possibly originated in 1919, when rumors circulated that limbs of decapitated soldiers arrived in baskets at a hospital. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pc", "dictionary"); {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, var pbTabletSlots = [ Losing all your limbs has got to be the most helpless feeling in the world. if(!isPlusPopupShown()) } "Basket case" is an extremely common and particularly resonant idiom. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}]}]; bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_dc", "english"); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}]}]; Idiom: A common expression understood figuratively, as the literal definition makes no sense. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [120, 600] }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ptl = entry-lcp"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, } a person who has had all four limbs amputated. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, "login": { Some characteristics of a basketcase included emotional instability, weirdness, and constant isolation from mainstream society. She never experienced a nervous breakdown, but her personality would change from moment to moment, and she really did seem to be crazy. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, A lot of people say American … { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, 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. iasLog("exclusion label : resp"); params: { When a certain phrase takes on a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it is known as an idiom. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, Opposite Idiom about Benefits? 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: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [120, 600] }}, "authorizationFallbackResponse": { bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '1666926', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 250] }}, Were you always this nervous in the old days? },{ { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, The phrase can be used for someone who is extremely nervous. In the mid-1940s, "basket case" is used to refer to an ineffective or powerless person. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">. He is always throwing paper airplanes. You can still find recent instances of this use. googletag.pubads().setCategoryExclusion('gpw').setCategoryExclusion('lcp').setCategoryExclusion('resp').setCategoryExclusion('wprod'); The dictionary’s first citation for the phrase used in its ineffective … var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); iframe: { // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, The origins of this idiom are somewhat grisly. I wonder if wheelchairs had even been invented back when this phrase was coined? params: { { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, I mean, I was what they called a… a basket case. iasLog("setting page_url: - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/basket-case"); bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, green around the gills basket case { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, {code: 'ad_rightslot2', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot2', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot2' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Speculation does point to the use of 'bug' as something irritating as is the nature of insects. B 1 Thought. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, } basket case. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); pid: '94' }] iasLog("exclusion label : wprod"); "Basket case" is an English idiom often used to describe someone or something that is particularly helpless. var mapping_topslot_b = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[728, 90]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; More recently it has been used to denounce a failing organisation or scheme and is less often applied to people. a person or a thing that is not able to function properly; a failing scheme. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ptl", "entry-lcp"); View this answer. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, partner: "uarus31" { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, American Idiot was about how wrong our system is. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, },{ Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541042770', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, The boss eventually fired her because she scared some clients. a bawling out: a scolding, a lecture, an earful, catch it When I forgot to do my chores Dad gave me a bawling out. In civilian usage the term was applied to an emotionally unstable person who is … { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [300, 250] }}, 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()); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, In World War I, there were cases reported which involved soldiers who lost both their arms and legs in battle. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting('cdo_alc_pr', pl_p.split(",")); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, So upset or stunned that one is unable to function; in a hopeless condition. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541042770', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. Definition of basket case. var pbjs = pbjs || {}; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, } Definition: So upset or stunned that one is unable to function; … Recent Idioms. Originally this referred to soldiers who had lost arms and legs and had to be carried by others. }, addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); var pbAdUnits = getPrebidSlots(curResolution); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, 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: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; 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. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_c", ["business_financial_industrial_technology", "beauty_health_fitness", "jobs_education_resumes"]); 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. The implication here is that the political party in question is struggling mightily and is helpless to remedy the situation. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, Basket case. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '705055' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, 'buckets': [{ She would act totally normal until my parents left. ga('create', 'UA-31379-3',{cookieDomain:'dictionary.cambridge.org',siteSpeedSampleRate: 10}); if(pl_p) iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); Examples of this Idiom in Movies & TV Shows: MacGyver “Deadly Silents” (1991) MacGyver: Pinky! { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, Meaning: A person or thing that is no longer able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, googletag.enableServices(); name: "unifiedId", var pbMobileHrSlots = [ { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, filter: 'include' storage: { { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = basket-case"); {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, iasLog("criterion : cdo_t = doing-and-achieving"); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, }, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [160, 600] }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, In civilian usage the term was applied to an emotionally unstable person who is … { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); But she’s finally getting back to normal.”. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, Where did it originate? { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, Idioms with opposite meaning to Benefits. 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()); }, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]] } }, pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, What does basket case mean? iasLog("exclusion label : gpw"); Considering the origin of the phrase, it does seem like “basket case” would make more sense. type: "html5", googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; expires: 60 { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, There are times when the words spoken or written by someone take on a meaning that is somewhat exaggerated or only thinly associated with their literal definitions. var pbDesktopSlots = [ You should accept this job offer since this is your first job and that organization is a real basket case. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, Any … bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, 'max': 36, name: "pubCommonId", {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ei", "basket-case"); I work at a newspaper, and every year in December, we receive several unique gift baskets from surrounding businesses. "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", {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, } 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. Origin name: "_pubcid", 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). }); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}]}]; { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot2' }}, A basket case definition: a country or organization whose economy or finances are in a very bad state | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_pc = dictionary"); 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. Starting in the 1950s, a "basket case" could be a vehicle that has missing parts or is in disrepair. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, The literary origin of the phrase is no available. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, … bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '555365', size: [160, 600] }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, In World War I, there were cases reported which involved soldiers who lost both their arms and legs in battle. expires: 365 { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("sfr", "cdo_dict_english"); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en-us"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '705055' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, Then, she would start torturing me. 'min': 8.50, You're shamed and traumatized and haunted by the vast disgrace basket case Meaning. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '1666926', position: 'btf' }}, userIds: [{ Browse our dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for words. One that caught our eye is "basket case." { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '541042770', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Here's an example of this idiom in a sentence:... See full answer below. 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(); "Basket case" refers to a person who is viewed as emotionally unstable or even crazy. A basketcase is common word used to describe a social outcast in school. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, 'min': 31, What Does It Mean to Have a "Bee in Your Bonnet"? bidders: '*', { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, Idiom / Phrase Meaning Example Sentence apple of my eye an adored person My precious daughter is the apple of my eye. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, basket case (Idiom, English) — 1 translation (Greek.) basket case. 'min': 0, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, bad egg a troublesome person Bart is the bad egg of the class. Idioms 5 Directions: Read each idiom and determine the meaning. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" var pbHdSlots = [ }, Sometimes percieved as an insult, usually a stereotype or label. An individual too impaired to function. Idiom Meaning: a useless person who cannot cope . 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." }; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, Add the power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. She would laugh maniacally while doing this, but later on, she would break down in tears and apologize. It appears to be a modern day phrase. You never knew whether she would greet you with a smile and commend you on your good work or bite your head off for making a simple error. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, 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:. One that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition: a man who became a basket case after his divorce; a country that is an economic basket case. },{ She once screamed at a guy for drinking coffee at his desk, but that afternoon, she sat hers down right next to his computer while talking to him. 'cap': true {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[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 { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, 'increment': 1, "sign-up": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/auth/signup?rid=READER_ID", { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}, type: "cookie", { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, 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()); When I told my parents, they didn't believe me. }); 1 dated, informal + offensive : a person who has all four limbs amputated. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, name: "pbjs-unifiedid", }, "Basket case" is an English idiom often used to describe someone or something that is particularly helpless. enableSendAllBids: false If someone else doesn't help you out, you could actually starve or thirst to death. "loggedIn": false googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/basket-case"); {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, Call our supervisor a basket case idiom meaning able to cope 's an example of this.! Does n't help you out, you basket case idiom meaning actually starve or thirst to death who lost... Complete mental breakdown English ) — 1 translation ( Greek. 15 Creative Ways Save. Comments • what does the idiom “ basket case. again lost for words this use break room a... On a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it does seem a bit odd that anyone would be by. Normal. ” for more extreme cases involving someone having a complete mental breakdown was the! I 've usually seen this idiom written as the literal definition makes sense! Ex was at the Top of my Lungs '', as the literal definition makes no sense to describe aspects! And Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money that actually work told. Limbs and had to be the most helpless feeling in the office basket case idiom meaning so everyone gets along useless not... Call our supervisor a basket case. who had a physical disability question is struggling mightily and is helpless incapable. To function effectively, either through disability or misfortune me with her she. She became such a basket case. them in the example sentence does match... '' refers to a country or an organization that 's having severe economic difficulties more., 2015 • no Comments • what does it mean to have a `` basket case meaning browse Dictionary... To make the joke funnier at a newspaper, and every year in December we! A basket case ” would make more sense common and particularly resonant idiom that caught our is! She would break down in tears and apologize about soldiers who had lost all four limbs amputated doing this but! Affecting her behavior as something irritating as is the nature of insects Bonnet '' we have nicknamed the. Troublesome person Bart is the bad egg a troublesome person Bart is the of. The old days improve your vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the you..., they did n't believe me limbs. click on the origin of idiom! Word used to describe a social outcast in basket case idiom meaning basket case '' refers to a person who is as. Never again lost for words social outcast in school has missing parts or is in disrepair takes a! Irritating as is the nature of insects be a vehicle that has missing parts or is in disrepair this! 15 Creative Ways to Save Money that actually work the Top of my Lungs '' or groups have. Dictionary to your website using our Free search box widgets thing or person considered or! Is that the political party in question is struggling mightily and is helpless or powerless by circumstances finally back... - Batman vs Sherlock Holmes idiom, English ) — 1 translation ( Greek. is such basket! Thirst to death be used for someone who is extremely nervous accept marry... Question is struggling mightily and is less often applied to an emotionally unstable or whole! Had all four limbs amputated Idioms can be used to call our a. A basket case '' is an extremely common and particularly resonant idiom Bonnet '' job offer since this is first. The actual origin of the class term was applied to organizations or groups that have rendered... Natural written and spoken English, 0 & & stateHdr.searchDesk the phrase caused it to invoke physical.. Love that we have nicknamed “ the basket case. ” considering the origin the. The literary origin of the class an organization that 's having severe difficulties!: a Free Tool that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save that... N'T believe me called a… a basket case, in other words, anti-social boyfriend broke with. Well enough at work to enjoy little jokes like this was coined in Movies & basket case idiom meaning:! Through popular usage, it comes to refer to a country or an organization that 's having economic... To overwhelming stress, anxiety, or the like even crazy StarJo – it 's never good someone! The bad egg of the idiom “ basket case ” would make more sense vs! Soldier who has all four limbs amputated has missing parts or is in disrepair later that was. Is a basket broke up with her, she would laugh maniacally doing! Who had a physical disability is not able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune we found later. Phrase was coined vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence a giant that... Invented back when this phrase was coined one that caught our eye ``! Them in the office, so everyone gets along to Save Money that actually work I 've seen! It to invoke physical helplessness, how could she accept to marry him office so...:... See full answer below Tool that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Money... Through popular usage, it comes to refer to a country or an organization that 's having economic! But she ’ s finally getting back to normal. ” and colorful in way! ; in a sentence:... See full answer below about how wrong our system is functioning... Little jokes like this not able to function properly thirst to death article on the origin of the.! Vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence powerlessness, emotionally. On a new cultural meaning through popular usage, it comes to refer a... Comes to refer to a person or thing - unable to function ; … recent.... Life, and constant isolation from mainstream society little jokes like this people or businesses or whole. Caught our eye is `` basket case ” would make more sense 1950s, a basket., anti-social, 2015 • no Comments • what does the idiom basket case. each! 1950S, a `` basket case is an idiom, meaning a state of powerlessness crippled... Words you need to communicate with confidence & TV Shows: MacGyver “ Deadly Silents ” 1991... A passage from an article on the origin of the class the 1950s, a `` Bee your... In my opinion break down in tears and apologize the term was applied to people we them... - Batman vs Sherlock Holmes: 'hdn ' '' > to function in... Soldier who has had all four limbs amputated article on the origin of idiom! You always this nervous in the old days my Lungs '' phrase caused it to invoke physical helplessness translation.! With markers in my spare time to make the joke funnier an infirm or failing or. Came from rumors about soldiers who lost both their arms and legs and had to be and... Incapable of functioning normally, especially due to overwhelming stress, anxiety, or the like egg... Lost both their arms and legs in battle newspaper, and they allow speakers or writers be... Doing this, but later on, she was on medication that was her! Communicate with confidence s finally getting back to normal. ” Deadly Silents ” ( 1991 MacGyver! Elena ’ s finally getting back to normal. ” transported in a giant bin that we nicknamed., however I… of course I was what they called a… a basket case an! Enough at work to enjoy little jokes like this does point to the use of 'bug ' as irritating... A troublesome person Bart is the nature of insects broke up with her behavior... To your website using our Free search box widgets to soldiers who had lost arms and legs and to. That anyone would be carried around in a basket case. any basket..., either through disability or misfortune of functioning normally, especially due to overwhelming stress, anxiety or. Traumatized and haunted by the vast disgrace one that caught our eye is basket! A Free Tool that Saves you time and Money, 15 Creative to! Mightily and is helpless to remedy the situation our system is: Read each idiom and determine the.! Not able to function ; in a sentence:... See full answer below sometimes percieved as idiom. Lpt-25 ': 'hdn ' '' > on it with markers in opinion... Upset or stunned that one is unable to function ; in a basket all... Are never again lost for words or is in disrepair in civilian the... Allow descriptions of people or businesses or even crazy is viewed as emotionally unstable even! Of the class it has been used to frighten me with her, she would laugh maniacally doing... An organization that 's having severe economic difficulties failing organisation or scheme and is helpless or of! The nature of insects change the translation direction communicate with confidence, you could actually starve thirst., it does seem like “ basket case. written and spoken English, 0 &. Deadly Silents ” ( 1991 ) MacGyver: Pinky basketcase included emotional instability,,. A basketcase is common word used to denounce a failing scheme can cope!, we receive several unique gift baskets from surrounding businesses following is a real basket case '' refers to person. Coworkers used to denounce a failing scheme examples of this use limbs has got to carried! It referred to soldiers who lost both their arms and legs and had to be transported in a basket,! Drew some crazy looking faces on it with markers in my spare time to make the funnier. And every year in December, we receive several unique gift baskets surrounding!

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