Meaning of "to hell in a handbag"

[nalfonso]

Hi there,

I just came across an expression that I can not get to understand fully...
What is the meaning of "going to hell in a handbag"?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Nel

[Ouisch]

When something "goes to hell" it means it's deteriorating rapidly, or on a path headed for destruction. Example:

First it rained, then a raccoon got into the food; it looked like our whole picnic was going to hell.

"Going to hell in a handbag" (sometimes said as "going to hell in a handbasket") simply means going to hell a lot faster and without any effort! (Since a handbag is easy to carry.) Example:

Ever since Pee Wee Herman was caught watching that X-rated movie, his career has gone to hell in a handbag.