English
Etymology
The term originated from WWI British English, indicating a soldier missing both his arms and legs, who needed to be literally carried around in a litter or "basket." Today it indicates a state of helplessness similar to the metaphoric removal of the appendages.
Noun
en-noun|sg=basket case
- idiom One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic or stress (slang, potentially offensive)
#:She was a complete basket case the morning of her wedding.
#:This country is a financial basket case, a country so broke that it should be a perfect warning to lenders.
#:Some countries are breadbaskets, others basket cases.
Translations
trans-top|one made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic or stress
Dutch: zenuwpees (nerves); (fig.) hopeloos geval (n.)
trans-mid
trans-bottom
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