have a handle on

VERB

guide

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accompany advise educate escort govern handle influence instruct manage maneuver navigate oversee regulate see shepherd steer supervise sway teach train usher

STRONG

attend beacon chaperon command conduct contrive control convoy counsel coxswain engineer marshal pilot quarterback route rule show spearhead superintend

WEAK

show the way trailblaze

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon desert learn leave leave alone mismanage neglect obey

STRONG

disorganize ignore

WEAK

misguide mislead

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 feel I have a handle on the next three months and then new versions of AI come out,” Johnson said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Fire crews appeared to have a handle on both of the blazes and evacuation orders had been mostly lifted and forward progress stopped.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025

Does McVay have a handle on the new rules?

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2024

“It’s something we just don’t have a handle on yet.”

From Science Magazine • May 31, 2024

“So when I want to put my body between him and the ball, I’ve got to make sure I have a handle on him, and then maneuver in front of him.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

have a handle on

Example Sentences

Related Words