get a handle on

get a handle on something   (informal)

to find a way to understand a situation in order to control it We need to get a better handle on the effects of climate change.

See fly off the handle, handle with kid gloves

See also: get, handle

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get a handle on something

to understand something We need to get a handle on what caused the fire and what can be done to prevent another one.

See also: get, handle