Usually means: Gain control or understanding of.
Definitions Related words Mentions
We found 7 dictionaries that define the word get a handle on:

General (3 matching dictionaries)
  1. get a handle on: Merriam-Webster
  2. get a handle on: Wiktionary
  3. get a handle on: Dictionary.com

Business (2 matching dictionaries)
  1. MoneyGlossary.com (No longer online)
  2. Dictionary of Management Jargon (No longer online)

Miscellaneous (1 matching dictionary)
  1. get a handle on: Idioms

Slang (1 matching dictionary)
  1. American-Australian Slang Dictionary (No longer online)

Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky
Definitions from Wiktionary (get a handle on)

▸ verb:  (informal) To build or acquire a basic level of understanding or control.

Similar:
get the hang of, have a handle on, get to grips with, get a grip, get one's arms around, get the drift, get hold of, wrap one's head around, know, get the picture, more...

Opposite:
lose control, be overwhelmed, be confused, be disorganized, be chaotic

▸ Words similar to get a handle on

▸ Usage examples for get a handle on

▸ Idioms related to get a handle on

▸ Wikipedia articles (New!)

▸ Words that often appear near get a handle on

▸ Rhymes of get a handle on

▸ Invented words related to get a handle on

Similar:
get the hang of, have a handle on, get to grips with, get a grip, get one's arms around, get the drift, get hold of, wrap one's head around, know, get the picture, more...

Opposite:
lose control, be overwhelmed, be confused, be disorganized, be chaotic



Writing poetry or lyrics? You can find related words that match a given meter.
This feature is permanently available from the "Related words" tab and from the Thesaurus.


(Click a button above to see words related to "get a handle on" that fit the given meter.)



Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux