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

British Dictionary definitions for fly off the handle

handle
/ (ˈhændəl) /

noun

verb (mainly tr)

Derived forms of handle

handleable, adjective handled, adjective handleless, adjective

Word 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