Definition

1. Noun:

   • A part of an object designed to be held or operated by the hand: A handle is the part of a tool, container, or other object that you hold or use to control it.
   • (Figurative) A fact or circumstance that provides an opportunity for criticism or attack: A "handle" can be something that gives someone an advantage or a point of leverage against another.

2. Verb:

   • To touch, hold, or move with the hands: To physically manipulate or feel something.
   • To manage, control, or deal with a situation, person, or machine: To take responsibility for or to cope with something effectively.
   • To discuss or treat a subject: To cover or deal with a topic in speech or writing.
   • To behave toward or interact with someone in a particular way: To treat or deal with a person.
   • To buy, sell, or trade goods: To be involved in the commercial distribution of products.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She turned the door handle and walked in.
  • His careless remark gave his opponents a handle to use against him.

• Verb:

  • Please do not handle the fragile artifacts. (to touch)
  • Can you handle this project while I'm away? (to manage)
  • The documentary handles the issue of climate change very well. (to discuss)
  • He handles his clients with great patience and respect. (to treat)
  • This shop handles imported cheeses. (to sell)

Advanced Usage

• "To fly off the handle" (idiom): To suddenly become very angry.

  • He flew off the handle when he saw the mistake.

• "To get a handle on something" (idiom): To begin to understand or control something.

  • I'm finally starting to get a handle on the new software.

• "Up to the handle" (idiom, informal): Completely, to the fullest extent.

  • They enjoyed the vacation up to the handle.

Variants and Related Words

• Handler (noun): A person who handles or manages something or someone, especially a trainer for animals or a person in charge of logistics.

  • The dog's handler led it into the show ring.

• Handling (noun): The way in which something is managed or dealt with.

  • The careful handling of the situation prevented a crisis.

Synonyms

• Noun: Grip, knob, hilt.
• Verb: Manage, deal with, control, manipulate, operate, treat, discuss, cover.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Handle down (rare): To pass something to someone, especially a younger person (often as "hand down").

  • Traditions are handled down from generation to generation. (Note: "hand down" is more common)

• Handle over: To give control or possession to someone (often as "hand over").

  • He was forced to handle over the documents. (Note: "hand over" is more common)

Related Idioms

• A handle to one's name: A title added to one's name.

  • With the promotion, he finally had a handle to his name.

• Love handle (informal): A roll of fat at the side of the waist.

  • He joked about trying to lose his love handles.

Noun

1. the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
   • he grabbed the hammer by the handle
   • it was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip

Verb

1. show and train
   • The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
2. handle effectively
   • The burglar wielded an axe
   • The young violinist didn't manage her bow very well
3. touch, lift, or hold with the hands
   • Don't handle the merchandise
4. act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
   • This book deals with incest
   • The course covered all of Western Civilization
   • The new book treats the history of China
5. interact in a certain way
   • Do right by her
   • Treat him with caution, please
   • Handle the press reporters gently
6. be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
   • I can deal with this crew of workers
   • This blender can't handle nuts
   • She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old