Definitions

get a handle on

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cope v.
handle v.

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

But once followers get a handle on things and get one month ahead, the answers sort of become slots on a change-sorting machine.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

As competition heats up, trading firms are trying to get a handle on young talent sooner.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

That conflagration was 5% contained by Tuesday afternoon as weakening winds helped crews get a handle on the incident, according to Cal Fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

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

From Salon ● Apr. 5, 2026

I just can’t get a handle on it.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

get a handle on

Example Sentences

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Related Words