get a handle on

get a handle on (something)

To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. Go down to the circuit breaker and see if you can get a handle on what's causing the power outages. I'd gotten a pretty good handle on the concept after spending an hour with the tutor.

See also: get, handle, on

get a handle on

see under get a fix on.

See also: get, handle, on

get a handle on

find a means of understanding, controlling, or approaching a person or situation.

2000 Farm Chemicals Getting a handle on what that profitability is can be challenging unless you are willing to do some specific cost tracking on your site-specific investment.

See also: get, handle, on

get/have a handle on somebody/something

(informal) become/be familiar with and so understand somebody/something: I can’t really get a handle on the situation here. What’s happening?

See also: get, handle, have, on, somebody, something