Question

Choose the option that best describe the underline idiom:
It will take him some time to get a handle on how things run in this part of the world.
(A) teach himself
(B) develop an understanding of
(C) write a book
(D) explain by examples

Answer 1

Hint: Always look for the context in the sentence, while trying to find an alternative word or phrase for a phrase in a sentence.

Complete answer:
As we look through the options, we can replace the phrase with the words and frame sentences.
We are looking for an option where we can explain “get a handle on” which by the use in the sentence means “to get used to or to develop an understanding”
Now, let's compare all the options given in the question.
(A) teach himself
It will take him some time to teach himself how things run in this part of the world.
“teach himself” in this sentence represents that the person has to learn on his own about his surroundings. It is more associated with learning things than figuring it out. Hence, we can eliminate this option.
Now we are left with 3 options. Among these, one is correct and two again are wrong. Let’s have a look at the second option.
(B) develop an understanding of
It will take him some time to develop an understanding of how things run in this part of the world.
“develop an understanding of” here represents that the person will have to get used to things around him, which can be a possible replacement in the sentence. Hence “develop an understanding of” might be a correct answer.
Now we have a possibility of a correct answer, let’s understand why the other options can or cannot be considered. This way we can also cross check our answer.
(C) write a book
It will take him some time to write a book about how things run in this part of the world.
“Write a book” here represents that the person will become the master of the place's working process and will know everything around here, which is not the option we are looking for. Hence “write a book” cannot be the right answer.
Hence “generous” cannot be the answer.
Now we are left with one option only. Let's have a look at option four and decide the right answer.
(D) explain by examples
It will take him some time to explain by example, how things run in this part of the world.
“explain by examples” here represent that the person will understand all the things and will be explaining others by examples about the actions of this part of the world, which is not the option we are looking for. Hence “explain by examples” cannot be the right answer.

Now, to conclude, “the right answer is option B”

Note: Always try to understand the context of the sentence. Also do not make any choice hastily, always check all the available options as there might be multiple options with a similar meaning but different context.
Always frame the entire sentence, rather than going by the meaning of phrase/idiom alone.