get a handle on

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   to understand or know about sb / sth, especially so that you can deal with it or them later

   But he's acting funny. He can't get a handle on what's going on.

   I'm spazzing out in there, I know, but something fucking weird like Twilight Zone shit is going on here, and I'm trying to get a handle on it, okay?

In the movies · 3

• But he's acting funny. He can't get a handle on what's going on.Memento2000
• Yeah, I did, he wasn't looking too good but Neal seemed to have a handle on the situation.Everest2015
• I'm spazzing out in there, I know, but something fucking weird like Twilight Zone shit is going on here, and I'm trying to get a handle on it, okay?The One I Love2014
• Just can't get a handle on it.We Bought a Zoo2011
• We're just trying to get a handle here, sir.The Batman2022
• Yeah. Get going. I'll handle him.V for Vendetta2006
• Word's getting out we're handling the overflow from three different clinics now.Patch Adams1998
• Granddad and I, we're, we're making sure this gets handled right.Fargo1996

Learn it in full scenes

• V for Vendetta2006
  • V's Opening Monologue
  • V Introduces Himself to Evey
  • Sutler's Cabinet Spins the Explosion
• Fargo1996
  • Jerry Hires Two Kidnappers
  • Jerry Haggles With the Kidnappers
  • Jerry Sells the TruCoat

From the same entry

• give a handle
• fly off the handle

More idioms

• have time on your hands
• keep at a distance
• on the edge of your seat
• take to heart
• the rules of the game
• to your heart's content
• for rent
• not to worry
• play your cards right
• be torn
• do the trick
• not a bit