English idiom

get a handle on

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to gain understanding or control of a situation

Why this phrase?

From grabbing a handle to control something; figuratively means to master it.

Example

“It took a while to get a handle on the new accounting system.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

every which way

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

get out of hand

To become impossible to control.

get the picture

to understand a situation, especially after an explanation

in the hands of

under the control or responsibility of someone

not rocket science

not difficult to understand or do

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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