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Basket case

Basket case

Meaning

A person or thing that is no longer able to function effectively, either through disability or misfortune.

Examples

The Greek economy took a nosedive after the 2008 world financial meltdown – to the point of becoming a total economic basket case.

Where did it originate?

USA.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Basket case

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