handle
/'hændl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- 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
- show and train
- The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
- handle effectively
- The burglar wielded an axe
- The young violinist didn't manage her bow very well
- touch, lift, or hold with the hands
- Don't handle the merchandise
- 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
- interact in a certain way
- Do right by her
- Treat him with caution, please
- Handle the press reporters gently
- 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