handle
[ han-dl ]
/ ˈhæn dl /
noun
verb (used with object), han·dled, han·dling.
verb (used without object), han·dled, han·dling.
to behave or perform in a particular way when handled, directed, managed, etc.: The troops handled well. The jet was handling poorly.
Idioms for handle
fly off the handle, Informal.
to become very agitated or angry, especially without warning or adequate reason: I can't imagine why he flew off the handle like that.
get/have a handle on,
to acquire an understanding or knowledge of: Can you get a handle on what your new boss expects?
Origin of handle
before 900; (noun) Middle English
handel, Old English
hand(e)le, derivative of
hand; (verb) Middle English
handelen, Old English
handlian (cognate with German
handlen, Old Norse
hǫndla to seize), derivative of the noun
OTHER WORDS FROM handle
Words nearby handle
British Dictionary definitions for fly off the handle
handle
/ (ˈhændəl) /
noun
verb (mainly tr)
Derived forms of handle
handleable, adjective handled, adjective handleless, adjectiveWord Origin for handle
Old English; related to Old Saxon
handlon (vb), Old High German
hantilla towel
Cultural definitions for fly off the handle
fly off the handle
To become suddenly enraged: “When Jack's father found out about the car, he really flew off the handle.”
Idioms and Phrases with fly off the handle (1 of 2)
fly off the handle
Lose one's temper, as in Tom flies off the handle at the slightest setback. This metaphoric expression alludes to the loosened head of a hammer flying off after a blow. [Early 1800s]
Idioms and Phrases with fly off the handle (2 of 2)
handle