get a grip on something
get a grip
1. To get a good physical hold on something. In order to remove the bolt, I needed to get a grip on the wrench.
2. To have a newfound understanding of a topic or concept. The teacher spent extra time going over the material in class because she wanted her students to get a grip on the subject matter before they took the exam.
3. To control one's reactions or emotions. Often used as an imperative urging someone to calm down. After losing her job, Sarah needed to calm down and get a grip on herself in order to drive home safely. Spilled soup is not a big deal, get a grip! You're not going to be able to think clearly until you get a grip on yourself.
See also: get, grip
grip on (something)
2. A newfound understanding of a topic or concept. The teacher spent extra time going over the material in class because she wanted her students to have a good grip on the subject matter before they took the exam.
See also: grip, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get a grip on something
COMMON If you get a grip on a difficult situation, you start to understand it and take control of it. So far the country has failed to get a grip on its inflation rate. Note: You can also say that you take a grip on a situation with the same meaning. It is clear that the new leader has taken a grip on the party machine. Note: You can say that you keep a grip on a situation, meaning that you continue to understand and control it. Somehow, this corrupt band of politicians have managed to keep a grip on power.
See also: get, grip, on, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- get a grip
- grip on (something)
- a grip on (something)
- have a grip on (something)
- a handle on
- handle on
- monkey wrench
- lose (one's) grip on (someone or something)
- lose one’s grip
- wrench out