get a handle on

get a handle on (something)

To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. Go down to the circuit breaker and see if you can get a handle on what's causing the power outages. I'd gotten a pretty good handle on the concept after spending an hour with the tutor.
See also: get, handle, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get a handle on

see under get a fix on.
See also: get, handle, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

get a handle on

find a means of understanding, controlling, or approaching a person or situation.
2000 Farm Chemicals Getting a handle on what that profitability is can be challenging unless you are willing to do some specific cost tracking on your site-specific investment.
See also: get, handle, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

get/have a handle on somebody/something

(informal) become/be familiar with and so understand somebody/something: I can’t really get a handle on the situation here. What’s happening?
See also: get, handle, have, on, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get a handle on (something)
  • get a handle on something
  • get/have a handle on somebody/something
  • get a fix on (something)
  • get a fix on someone/something
  • a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
  • get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
  • have no stomach for something
  • have the stomach for
  • not have the stomach for (something)
References in periodicals archive
There are some best practices that can help you get a handle on this fast growing and changing technology.