handle

/ˈhændl/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To manage, deal with, or take responsibility for a situation, task, or problem.

    • She can handle difficult clients without losing her temper.

    • How did the department handle that sudden surge in complaints last month?

  2. To touch, hold, or manipulate something with the hands.

    • Please handle the fragile antique vases with extreme care.

    • Have these packages been handled roughly during shipment?

How it's used

  • handle the situation

“handle it.”

The manager will handle the dispute directly.

Collocations

  • handle pressure
  • handle a crisis
  • handle with care

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • mishandle
  • bungle

Idioms

  • fly off the handle

    Lose one's temper suddenly and violently.

    He tended to fly off the handle whenever someone questioned his work.

  • get a handle on

    Gain an understanding of or control over something.

    The team needs to get a handle on the project costs before next week.