/ ˈhændl; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
DEAL WITH
1.
[ vn ] to deal with a situation, a person, an area of work or a strong emotion :
A new man was appointed to handle the crisis.
She's very good at handling her patients.
The sale was handled by Adams Commercial.
We can handle up to 500 calls an hour at our new offices.
We all have to learn to handle stress.
This matter has been handled very badly.
( informal )
You have to know how to handle yourself in this business (= know the right way to behave) .
( informal )
'Any problems?' 'Nothing I can't handle .'
( informal )
I've got to go. I can't handle it any more (= deal with a difficult situation) .
TOUCH WITH HANDS
2.
[ vn ] to touch, hold or move sth with your hands :
Our cat hates being handled.
The label on the box said: 'Fragile. Handle with care .'
CONTROL
3.
[ vn ] to control a vehicle, an animal, a tool, etc. :
I wasn't sure if I could handle such a powerful car.
She's a difficult horse to handle.
4.
[ v ] handle well / badly to be easy / difficult to drive or control :
The car handles well in any weather.
BUY / SELL
5.
[ vn ] to buy or sell sth
SYN deal in :
They were arrested for handling stolen goods .
■ noun
OF DOOR / DRAWER / WINDOW
1.
the part of a door, drawer, window, etc. that you use to open it :
She turned the handle and opened the door.
OF CUP / BAG / TOOL
2.
the part of an object, such as a cup, a bag, or a tool that you use to hold it, or carry it :
the handle of a knife
a broom handle
—picture at suitcase , cup , carving knife , shears , scythe
—see also love handles
-HANDLED
3.
(in adjectives) having the number or type of handle mentioned :
a long-handled spoon
•
IDIOMS
- get / have a handle on sb/sth
- give sb a handle (on sth)
—more at fly verb
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English handle (noun), handlian (verb), from hand .