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| han·dle [ hánd'l ] |
verb (past and past participle han·dled, present participle han·dling, 3rd person present singular han·dles) |
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1. transitive verb touch something: to touch, pick up, or move something with the hands
  Don't handle the merchandise.
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2. transitive verb operate something: to operate or make use of something with the hands
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3. transitive verb take charge of something: to take care of or be responsible for something
Who handles the import side of the business?
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4. transitive verb deal with somebody or something: to deal with or cope with somebody or something
She's good at handling difficult customers.
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5. transitive verb be manager of somebody: to manage or supervise somebody
He handles a string of professional boxers.
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6. transitive verb be about something: to discuss or deal with a subject
an article handling the subject of global warming
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7. transitive verb trade in something: to deal in particular goods, sometimes illegally
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8. intransitive verb respond to control: to respond to control or use, often in a particular way
The little yacht handled like a dream.
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noun (plural han·dles) |
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1. part for holding or operating something: a part of a thing by which it is held, moved, or operated
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2. means: an opportunity, pretext, or means of doing something
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3. gambling total amount bet: the total sum of money bet on a race, series of races, or other event
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4. name: somebody's name
(
slang
)
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5. Canada textiles feel of textile: the feel of a fabric, used to determine its quality.
U.S. term hand
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| [ Old English handlian (verb), handle (noun) <hand] |
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fly off the handle to lose your temper, especially without justification (informal)
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get a handle on something to understand or be able to control a situation fully
It's a difficult problem to get a handle on.
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