get a handle on things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a handle on things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of gaining control or understanding of a situation. Example: "After a few weeks of training, I finally feel like I am starting to get a handle on things at my new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But a vote is coming on a measure that would halt billboard conversions and new construction while council members try to get a handle on things.

The New York Times

To help viewers get a handle on things, so to speak, it is divided into areas like the Beautiful Pot, the Painterly Pot, the Useful Pot, the Narrative Pot, the Worshipful (or Ritual) Pot and the Impossible Pot.

The New York Times - Arts

Well, that's what would have happened, had those in charge not decided to get a handle on things.

BBC

By limiting the number of Russians they accept, the school authorities are trying to get a handle on things.

Forbes

To get a handle on things, paleoanthropologist Wesley Niewoehner of the University of New Mexico analyzed the hand bones of Skhul/Qafzah hominids and compared them to Neandertal hand bones.

Science Magazine

At larger organizations, the company Intranet can often help you get a handle on things, though how they work on paper and how they work in practice can sometimes be very different.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That said, there is something reassuring about a list, a precision and formality that makes us think we've got a handle on things.

The New York Times - Books

You've got a handle on things, and you're doing it from — I'm going to mispronounce it — Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

The New Yorker

You've got a handle on things, and you're doing it from—I'm going to mispronounce it Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

The New Yorker

Until science gets a handle on things, Runge says, that's going to be a social, economic and regulatory problem.

Huffington Post

The world of hams is confusing, but it is worth getting a handle on things because a little knowledge will make your ham dinners much much better.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a handle on things" when you want to express gaining control, understanding, or effectively managing a complex situation. For example, "After a few weeks, I started to get a handle on things at my new job."

Common error

Avoid using "get a handle on things" when referring to minor, easily manageable tasks. This phrase is best suited for situations that require significant effort to understand and control.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get a handle on things" is as an idiomatic phrase. It acts as a verb phrase, expressing the action of gaining understanding and control over a situation. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a handle on things" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the process of gaining control or understanding of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context, as more formal situations might benefit from alternatives. The phrase is best used for situations requiring effort to understand and manage, and it conveys a sense of competence and control once achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a grip on the situation

Similar meaning with slightly more emphasis on maintaining composure.

gain control of the situation

Focuses more on exerting control rather than simply understanding.

get things under control

Focuses on bringing chaos into order.

get on top of things

Implies overcoming challenges and becoming proficient.

sort things out

Focuses on resolving confusion and organizing matters.

take charge of things

Emphasizes leadership and proactive management.

get the hang of things

Highlights the process of learning and becoming skilled.

master the situation

Emphasizes complete understanding and control.

become proficient

Highlights the development of skills and ability.

familiarize oneself with the situation

Stresses the act of becoming acquainted and knowledgeable.

FAQs

What does "get a handle on things" mean?

It means to gain control or understanding of a situation, task, or problem. It suggests becoming competent and able to manage or deal with something effectively.

How can I use "get a handle on things" in a sentence?

You can use it when you want to convey that you are starting to understand and manage something. For example: "I'm finally starting to "get a grip on things" at work after the initial training period."

What are some alternatives to "get a handle on things"?

Alternatives include "gain control of the situation", "get on top of things", or "take charge of things". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "get a handle on things" in formal writing?

While widely understood, it is more suited for neutral to informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "gain control" or "manage effectively" for a more professional tone.