Handle
'hændəl
Definitions
4 meaningsTo manage, deal with, or be in charge of something.
'hændəl
To manage or deal with.
The police are handling the investigation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a problem. To 'handle' it means to figure it out and make it better, like how you might handle a toy.
👶 For kids: To do something or deal with something. Like, "Can you handle the balloon for me?"
More Examples
Can you handle the pressure of a busy schedule?
She handled the delicate negotiations with grace.
How It's Used
"The manager handles customer complaints effectively."
"She handles the cooking for the family."
To operate, control, or manipulate something, especially with your hands.
'hændəl
To operate or control.
She handled the delicate piece of art with care.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding something and using it. That's like 'handling' it. Like, if you handle a toy car, you are making it go!
👶 For kids: To hold something and use it. Like holding the steering wheel of a car to drive.
More Examples
He handled the situation with skill.
The pilot handled the aircraft expertly during the storm.
How It's Used
"He handles the steering wheel of the car."
"The basketball player can handle the ball well."
A part of something designed for grasping or holding.
'hændəl
A part you grasp or hold to manipulate.
She turned the handle and opened the door.
💡 Simply: It's the part of something you grab to use it, like the handle on a door or a suitcase.
👶 For kids: The part you hold to open a door or use something.
More Examples
The suitcase had a sturdy handle.
The mug’s handle was too hot to touch.
How It's Used
"She opened the door by pulling the handle."
"The handle on the drawer was broken."
A nickname or username used, especially online.
'hændəl
A nickname or alias.
What’s your Twitter handle?
💡 Simply: It's like a secret name you use online. It's how people know you! Like your special name on a video game!
👶 For kids: A special name you use online or in a game.
More Examples
The hacker used a fake handle to hide their identity.
He went by the handle 'Ironman' in the gaming community.
How It's Used
"Her social media handle is @SunshineQueen."
"The spy's handle was 'Raven'."
Idioms & expressions
get a handle on something
To gain understanding or control of something.
"I'm finally getting a handle on the new software."
take the handle
To take control of something.
"When the project lead left, Sarah stepped up and took the handle."
From Middle English *handlen*, from Old English *handlian* ('to handle, feel'), from *hand* + *-lian* (a verb-forming suffix).
The word 'handle' has been used since Old English and has evolved to have broader meanings, including managing and manipulating ideas.
Memory tip
Think of handling a situation like holding it in your hands.
Word Origin
"to touch or feel with the hands; to manage or deal with"