handle

handleverb

To handle something is to take it in your hands, or to take charge of it and deal with it.

1. deal withdeal with a situation, a problem, or a person, especially a difficult one

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • She handled the situation very calmly. V + obj
   • I can't handle all this work on my own. V + obj
   • He doesn't handle criticism well. V + obj
   • Leave it to me. I'll handle it. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun handle a situation, handle a problem, handle pressure, handle stress, handle a complaint

   verb + adverb handle something well, handle something badly, handle something carefully

   Synonyms deal with; cope (cope has no object and is used with with: cope with a problem); manage; take

2. touchtouch, hold, or move something with your hands

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • Please don't handle the fruit. V + obj
   • Always wash your hands before handling food. V + obj
   • The box was marked "Handle with care."

   Collocations

   verb + noun handle food, handle money, handle chemicals

   phrase handle with care

   Synonyms touch

3. be in charge ofbe responsible for a piece of work, or for the people or things it involves

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • Ana handles all the bookings for the hotel. V + obj
   • Which lawyer is handling your case? V + obj
   • The airport handles thousands of passengers every day. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun handle a case, handle the bookings, handle the money, handle an account

   Synonyms manage

4. control a vehiclebe easy or difficult to control when you are driving it

   Used with a car, a boat, or another vehicle as the subject.

   intransitive [I] verb + adverb or preposition [V + adv/prep]

   • The car handles well even on wet roads. V + adv/prep
   • This little boat handles beautifully. V + adv/prep

   Collocations

   verb + adverb handle well, handle badly

See also hand