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
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
The soft opening weekend will allow Limpapath to get a handle on her new kitchen, experience the flow of customers, and identify what’s still missing from service.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Simpson was for a variety of measures to get a handle on the general problem.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get/have a handle on
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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
The soft opening weekend will allow Limpapath to get a handle on her new kitchen, experience the flow of customers, and identify what’s still missing from service.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Simpson was for a variety of measures to get a handle on the general problem.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.
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