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.

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)

All that could possibly give a handle to criticism," says Marmontel, who was present, "was groaned at or turned into ridicule.

From A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 6 by Black, Robert

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

The "Specimens" would give a handle to it, which the poems might seem to want.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 6 Letters 1821-1842 by Lamb, Mary

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