handle

Definitions

Handle began as the noun for the part of an object you grip with your hand — a door handle, a tool handle. From 'the thing you take hold of' came the verb to handle: to take hold of something and manage it. That is why you handle a suitcase physically and also handle a problem figuratively — both are about getting a grip.

Why It Means This

The leap from noun to verb is the heart of handle. A handle is what you grab to control an object; to handle is to grab a situation and control it. This image of 'getting a grip' explains every modern use: handle pressure, handle a customer, handle fragile goods. Whatever you handle, you are taking it into your hands, literally or mentally.

Common Collocations

• 1.handle a situation处理局面
• 2.handle pressure应对压力
• 3.handle with care小心轻放
• 4.door handle门把手
• 5.handle complaints处理投诉

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She handled the difficult situation with great calm.

• 2.

  Please handle these glasses carefully.

• 3.

  The handle of the teapot was too hot to touch.