handle

[ han-dl ]

/ ˈhæn dl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR handle ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a part of a thing made specifically to be grasped or held by the hand.

that which may be held, seized, grasped, or taken advantage of in effecting a purpose: The clue was a handle for solving the mystery.

Slang.

a person's name, especially the given name.
a person's alias, nickname, or code name.
a username, as on a social media website: What's your Twitter handle?
a name or term by which something is known, described, or explained.

the total amount wagered on an event, series of events, or for an entire season or seasons, as at a gambling casino or in horse racing: The track handle for the day was over a million dollars.

the total amount of money taken in by a business concern on one transaction, sale, event, or series of transactions, or during a specific period, especially by a theater, nightclub, sports arena, resort hotel, or the like.

hand(def 27).

Informal. a way of getting ahead or gaining an advantage: The manufacturer regards the new appliance as its handle on the Christmas market.

verb (used with object), han·dled, han·dling.

to touch, pick up, carry, or feel with the hand or hands; use the hands on; take hold of.

to manage, deal with, or be responsible for: My wife handles the household accounts. This computer handles all our billing.

to use or employ, especially in a particular manner; manipulate: to handle color expertly in painting.

to manage, direct, train, or control: to handle troops.

to deal with (a subject, theme, argument, etc.): The poem handled the problem of instinct versus intellect.

to deal with or treat in a particular way: to handle a person with tact.

to deal or trade in: to handle dry goods.

verb (used without object), han·dled, han·dling.

to behave or perform in a particular way when handled, directed, managed, etc.: The troops handled well. The jet was handling poorly.

Nearby words

handism, handiwork, handkerchief, handkerchief table, handlanger, handle, handle to one's name, handle with gloves, handlebar, handlebar moustache, handlebars

Idioms

fly off the handle, Informal. to become very agitated or angry, especially without warning or adequate reason: I can't imagine why he flew off the handle like that.

get/have a handle on, to acquire an understanding or knowledge of: Can you get a handle on what your new boss expects?

Origin of handle

before 900; (noun) Middle English handel, Old English hand(e)le, derivative of hand; (verb) Middle English handelen, Old English handlian (cognate with German handlen, Old Norse hǫndla to seize), derivative of the noun

SYNONYMS FOR handle

14 sell, vend, carry, market; hawk, peddle.

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Related forms

han·dle·a·ble, adjectivehan·dle·a·bil·i·ty, nounhan·dle·less, adjectiveo·ver·han·dle, verb (used with object), o·ver·han·dled, o·ver·han·dling.

pre·han·dle, verb (used with object), pre·han·dled, pre·han·dling.re·han·dle, verb (used with object), re·han·dled, re·han·dling.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for get a handle on

handle

/ (ˈhændəl) /

noun

the part of a utensil, drawer, etc, designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object

NZ a glass beer mug with a handle

slang a person's name or title

a CB radio slang name for call sign

an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing somethinghis background served as a handle for their mockery

the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling

the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event

fly off the handle informal to become suddenly extremely angry

verb (mainly tr)

to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands

to operate or employ using the handsthe boy handled the reins well

to have power or control overmy wife handles my investments

to manage successfullya secretary must be able to handle clients

to discuss (a theme, subject, etc)

to deal with or treat in a specified wayI was handled with great tact

to trade or deal in (specified merchandise)

(intr) to react or respond in a specified way to operation or controlthe car handles well on bends

Derived Forms

handleable, adjectivehandled, adjectivehandleless, adjective

Word Origin for handle

Old English; related to Old Saxon handlon (vb), Old High German hantilla towel

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with get a handle on (1 of 2)

get a handle on

see under get a fix on.

Idioms and Phrases with get a handle on (2 of 2)

handle

In addition to the idioms beginning with handle

handle to one's name
handle with gloves

also see:

fly off the handle
get a fix (handle) on

handle

noun

verb (used with object), han·dled, han·dling.

verb (used without object), han·dled, han·dling.

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Idioms

Origin of handle

SYNONYMS FOR handle

Related forms

British Dictionary definitions for get a handle on

handle

noun

verb (mainly tr)

Derived Forms

Word Origin for handle

Idioms and Phrases with get a handle on (1 of 2)

get a handle on

Idioms and Phrases with get a handle on (2 of 2)

handle