basket case

Meaning

Noun

• One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, stress or exhaustion.
• An institution or country in a bad condition or difficult situation (economically, financially or otherwise).

Origin

• 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. Today it indicates a state of helplessness similar to the metaphoric removal of the appendages, most frequently in the context of mental health or aptitude.