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.

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

Leaders at the largest U.S. bank are trying to get a handle on the fast-growing world of prediction markets, where regulation is still taking shape and insider trading often goes unchecked.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

I wrote “Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership” to help the average car owner get a handle on all things cars.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 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

I’m just trying to get a handle on what I’m feeling.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

get a handle on

Example Sentences

Related Words