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

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)

There are often things said about the effects of conversion which are very far in advance of reality, and give a handle to caricature.

From Expositions of Holy Scripture Isaiah and Jeremiah by Maclaren, Alexander

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