mishandle

/'mis'hændl/
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Thân thiện
mishandle

The clerk mishandles the fragile package, causing it to tear open.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To manage or deal with something badly, incompetently, or ineffectively: This refers to handling a situation, task, or responsibility poorly, often leading to failure or damage.
    • To treat something roughly or carelessly, causing damage: This meaning refers to physically handling an object without proper care, potentially breaking or harming it.
Usage and Examples

  • Verb (To manage badly):

    • The manager mishandled the client complaint, making the situation worse.
    • If you mishandle these negotiations, we could lose the contract.

  • Verb (To treat roughly):

    • Be careful not to mishandle the antique vase; it's very fragile.
    • The postal service mishandled the package, and it arrived damaged.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • "to mishandle a situation": to deal with a circumstance or event in an incompetent or insensitive way.
    • The government was accused of mishandling the crisis.
  • "to mishandle evidence": (often in legal or official contexts) to process or treat physical evidence improperly, compromising its integrity.
    • The case was dismissed because the police mishandled the evidence.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mishandling (noun): The act or instance of handling something badly.
    • The mishandling of funds led to an investigation.
  • Mismanage (verb): A close synonym, specifically for poor management of affairs or resources.
    • To mismanage a company's budget.
Synonyms
  • Botch: To carry out a task badly or carelessly.
  • Bungle: To act or work clumsily and incompetently.
  • Mismanage: To manage or administer ineptly or dishonestly.
  • Fumble: To handle something awkwardly or ineffectively.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Mishandle" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is contained within the single word.)

Related Idioms
  • To drop the ball: This idiom is related in meaning, implying a failure to handle a responsibility properly.
    • We lost the client because someone dropped the ball on the follow-up.
mishandle

The clerk mishandles the fragile package, causing it to tear open.

Verb
  1. manage badly or incompetently
    • The funds were mismanaged
  2. make a mess of, destroy or ruin
    • I botched the dinner and we had to eat out
    • the pianist screwed up the difficult passage in the second movement

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