have a handle on (something)

have a handle on (something)

To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. I hope everyone has a handle on the material, as you'll be tested on it next week. I thought I had a pretty good handle on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all!
See also: handle, have, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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:
  • a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
  • get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
  • get a handle on
  • get a handle on (something)
  • get a handle on something
  • get a fix on (something)
  • get a fix on someone/something
  • have no stomach for something
  • have the stomach for
  • not have the stomach for (something)