give a handle

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.

I should conceive it necessary, therefore, rather to submit with patience to their repeated delays than give a handle to the British party at Court.

From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. VIII by Sparks, Jared

So long as he does not give a handle to his enemies to be used against him, he is fairly contented to go on from year to year in a humdrum style.

From Twentieth Century Inventions A Forecast by Sutherland, George

I have suffered too much from calumny to give a handle for evil-speaking.

From Ursula by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott

But his presence at the scene was enough to give a handle to his enemies.

From A History of the English Church in New Zealand by Purchas, H. T. (Henry Thomas)

We can hardly help exclaiming, “Oh, that practical Englishmen would spend their energies on larger issues rather than thus give a handle to their enemies!”

From Records of Woodhall Spa and Neighbourhood Historical, Anecdotal, Physiographical, and Archaeological, with Other Matter by Walter, James Conway