Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about handle (AI summary)

The word "handle" in literature is remarkably versatile, serving both as a descriptor of physical components and as a metaphor for control and influence. In many works, it designates a tangible part of an object—a tool's grip [1], a door’s mechanism [2, 3], or even the distinct shape of a weapon [4]—thereby emphasizing the maker’s attention to detail and function. At the same time, authors employ the term figuratively to express the act of managing difficulties or situations, whether it be handling an insurrection [5] or mastering one’s own emotions [6]. This dual usage enriches the narrative texture, blending literal description with symbolic nuance [7, 8].
  1. The handle is round, and it has a small ringed ornamentation at its end and one close to the bowl.
    — from Surgical Instruments in Greek and Roman Times by John Stewart Milne
  2. He was watching there, hidden away—just behind the door-handle—ready to spring.
    — from The Garden Party, and Other Stories by Katherine Mansfield
  3. Stepping cautiously from one foot to the other she ran like a kitten the few steps to the door and grasped the cold door handle.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  4. " The king took a sword of which the handle was twisted round with gold, and the guard was gold-mounted, and gave it to him.
    — from Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturluson
  5. So you can see that to handle this insurrection with such an outfit as this is sure to mean trouble of one sort or another.
    — from The American Occupation of the Philippines 1898-1912 by James H. Blount
  6. I rudely handle my pain, for fear you should do so.
    — from The gardener by Rabindranath Tagore
  7. Never handle any ornament or article of furniture in the room in which you are a visitor.
    — from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley
  8. 4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.
    — from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux