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.

Ground crews and water-dropping helicopters are working together to get a handle on the blaze.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

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

"Once I get a handle on where they're coming from, I can then answer their questions," says Lorna.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

All I could do was pray to God that he would get a handle on it.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds

get a handle on

Example Sentences

Related Words