get/have a handle on
idiom
informal
: to understand and be able to deal with (something)
I can't quite get a handle on the way this machine works.
It seemed like she had a good handle on the situation.
Examples of get/have a handle on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Executives also seem to have a handle on minimizing the earnings’ impact of tariffs.
—
Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
On a different note, this could affect your physical health, encouraging you to get a handle on your diet or fitness.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Each candidate criticized Democratic leadership in California and the state’s struggle to get a handle on homelessness, the cost of living and environmental challenges like drought and megafires.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025
When the Commerce Department and CBP get a handle on this process, de minimis’ days are numbered.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get/have a handle on
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Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
On a different note, this could affect your physical health, encouraging you to get a handle on your diet or fitness.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Each candidate criticized Democratic leadership in California and the state’s struggle to get a handle on homelessness, the cost of living and environmental challenges like drought and megafires.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025
When the Commerce Department and CBP get a handle on this process, de minimis’ days are numbered.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get/have a handle on
Cite this Entry
“Get/have a handle on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%2Fhave%20a%20handle%20on. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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