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3. handful

handful

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handful

Something or someone that is difficult to manage. Joan's daughter is very polite and well-behaved, but her son is a real handful, always getting into trouble. This project seemed easy at first but it has become a real handful, and I'm not sure I'm going to finish by the deadline.

by the handful

in amounts equal to a handful; in quantity. Billy is eating candy by the handful. People began leaving by the handful at midnight.

See also: handful

*a handful

Fig. someone, often a child, who is difficult to deal with. (*Typically: be ~ become ~.) Bobby can be a real handful when he needs a nap.

See also: handful

handful

n. a difficult thing or person. Little Jimmy is a handful.