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

From Ursula by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott

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

Over-subtlety in the leader of a party tends to perplex friends and give a handle to opponents.

From The Oxford Movement Twelve Years, 1833-1845 by Church, R. W. (Richard William)

Nay, it would seem like cowardice, and only give a handle to your enemies to tax you with it.

From Willy Reilly The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by Carleton, William

At the same time he was equally quick to see that the acquisition would give "a handle to the malcontents."

From Union and Democracy by Johnson, Allen