secure a grip on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a grip on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of gaining control or understanding of a situation, concept, or object. Example: "In order to succeed in this competitive market, we need to secure a grip on our customer base and their preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Candidates with Islamic agendas dominate the field of more than 3,700 hopefuls, suggesting Libya will be the next Arab Spring country - after Egypt and Tunisia - to see religious parties secure a grip on power.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The lever both locks the phone and adds a tiny bit of extra tension to the clamp, to secure a firm grip on the smartphone; it's simple, but it works so well I'm surprised we haven't seen this used before.

TechCrunch

Rove's strategy anticipated that an enlarged Hispanic population, spurred by conservative familial and religious affiliations, would help secure a Republican grip on the White House and increase the party's presence in Congress and statehouses.

Huffington Post

Instead his gentler, kinder politics is bent on securing an absolute grip on the party, seizing all levers through control over the party's rule-making body – the national executive committee (NEC).

The Guardian - Opinion

Turnover opens new risks but can also secure a speaker's grip on the gavel.

The New York Times

If the scale of casualties and the affiliation of the victims stated by the regime are confirmed, the ambush would mark a rather significant victory for Assad's efforts to secure his grip on the areas surrounding Damascus, analysis by Reuters suggests.

Vice

The unique two-way zipper helps to ensure compatibility, providing a secure grip on a wide range of 4.7- to 5.7-inch smartphones.

TechCrunch

HARARE, Zimbabwe — President Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since it threw off white rule in 1980, won another term on Saturday as the official results were announced for last week's hotly disputed election, defeating his main challenger with 61 percent of the vote and roaring back to secure his grip on power after having to share it for the past five years.

The New York Times

Iraq's incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was hoping the country's recent defeat of ISIS would be enough to secure his grip on power for another term.

Vice

With Trump as president, Republicans, who spent millions to keep control of the Senate, can also secure their grip on the high court for years to come ― by naming justices who are more conservative and far younger than the 63-year-old Garland.

Huffington Post

"Can't get a grip on it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure a grip on" when you want to emphasize both the act of obtaining control and the ongoing effort to maintain it. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing political power, market share, or understanding complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a grip on" when you simply mean gaining a basic understanding of something. The phrase implies a more comprehensive and sustained control or mastery. For initial understanding, consider using "get a handle on" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a grip on" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of gaining and maintaining control or influence over something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure a grip on" denotes the act of establishing and maintaining control or influence, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and widely used, it leans towards neutral to professional registers and appears frequently in contexts like news and business. Related phrases include "establish control over" and "gain mastery of". Remember to use it when you want to emphasize sustained effort, and avoid it when referring to merely gaining initial understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a firm hold on

Highlights the strength and stability of the control.

cement one's control over

Suggests making existing control permanent or unshakeable.

establish control over

Focuses more on the act of establishing control rather than maintaining it.

gain mastery of

Emphasizes expertise and skill in understanding or controlling something.

take hold of

Suggests a physical or metaphorical seizing of something.

get a handle on

More informal; implies gaining initial understanding or control.

dominate

Highlights a position of power and influence.

achieve command of

Implies a level of authority and control.

gain influence over

Focuses on increasing persuasive power or impact.

assert authority over

Emphasizes the act of declaring and enforcing control.

FAQs

How can I use "secure a grip on" in a sentence?

You can use "secure a grip on" when describing the action of firmly establishing control or understanding. For instance, "The company aimed to secure a grip on the market share" or "The politician worked to secure a grip on the party leadership".

What's a more informal way to say "secure a grip on"?

A more informal alternative to "secure a grip on" is "get a handle on", which suggests gaining initial understanding or control without the implication of maintaining it.

Is there a difference between "secure a grip on" and "gain control of"?

"Secure a grip on" often implies a sustained effort to maintain control, whereas "gain control of" simply refers to the act of initially obtaining control. The former suggests ongoing management, the latter just the initial acquisition.

When should I use "secure a grip on" versus "establish control over"?

Use "secure a grip on" when you want to convey both the establishment and maintenance of control. "Establish control over" is more appropriate when focusing on the initial act of gaining authority or command.