A real handful
Meaning
Someone or something that is very difficult to control, manage, or deal with.
Origin
The phrase "a handful" conjures a vivid, physical image: trying to manage something with just one hand. Picture yourself attempting to carry too many slippery objects, or wrangle a squirming, energetic creature that simply won't stay put within your grip. When something is described as "a real handful," it's bursting beyond the capacity of even a strong, determined grasp, constantly slipping, squirming, or overflowing, making it utterly unmanageable. This simple, tangible metaphor, likely taking root in the early 20th century, beautifully captures the frustration of dealing with a person, task, or situation that demands far more control and effort than one can reasonably provide.
Examples
- Ever since she started walking, our toddler has been a real handful, constantly getting into everything.
- The new project proved to be a real handful for the team, demanding more resources and time than initially estimated.