Definitions

get a handle on

VERB

cope

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront endure get by grapple handle suffer survive wrestle

STRONG

buffet deal dispatch encounter face hack struggle tangle tussle weather

WEAK

battle with carry on hack it hold one's own live with make go of it make it make out make the grade pit oneself against rise to occasion struggle through

Antonyms

STRONG

hold keep refuse retreat surrender yield

VERB

handle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

administer conduct control deal with discuss employ exercise govern operate play serve supervise take treat use utilize work

STRONG

advise apply bestow command direct dispense dominate exploit guide maneuver manipulate ply steer swing wield

WEAK

behave toward call the signals cope with cut the mustard hack it make out make the grade run things

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore neglect

STRONG

leave alone misguide mislead

WEAK

disregard mismanage misuse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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get a handle on

Ground crews and water-dropping helicopters are working together to get a handle on the blaze.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2026

The thinking went that they needed a year of adjustment to get a handle on their coursework.

From Salon ● Apr. 5, 2026

Dr Appleby said the fertility industry had a "responsibility to get a handle on the number of times a donor is used", but agreeing global regulations would be undeniably "very difficult".

From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2025

The mayor of London has been told to "get a handle" on the capital's housing crisis as progress on building affordable homes continued to stagnate.

From BBC ● Nov. 16, 2025

Part of me wants to run outdoors into the cool evening to get a handle on myself.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

get a handle on

Example Sentences

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