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.

The thinking went that they needed a year of adjustment to get a handle on their coursework.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 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

Frank, however, must show swiftly he can get a handle on a club that too often appears out of his control.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

Highway 395 in Mono County was closed from Tom’s Place to Benton Crossing Road as fire crews worked to get a handle on the blaze, according to the California Department of Transportation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

I just can’t get a handle on it.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

get a handle on

Example Sentences

Related Words