get a handle on



get a handle on something

to understand something We need to get a handle on what caused the fire and what can be done to prevent another one.
See also: get, handle, on

get a handle on something

  (informal)
to find a way to understand a situation in order to control it We need to get a better handle on the effects of climate change.
See fly off the handle, handle with kid gloves
See also: get, handle, on

get a handle on

see under get a fix on.
See also: get, handle, on

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Serafinse-RAH-feenPolish
LenLENEnglish
Manju-Indian, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu
Steffie-German (Rare)
Anej-Slovene
Safi-Arabic