When it is said that "someone cannot handle something," it means that the individual is incapable, overwhelmed, or unable to manage or deal with a specific situation, task, emotion, or responsibility effectively. This expression typically implies that the person lacks the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, or emotional stability to successfully cope with the given circumstances or challenges.
In this context, the term "handle" refers to one's ability to control, manage, or successfully navigate through a given situation or problem, implying a level of competence, strength, or resilience. The phrase suggests that the person feels disoriented, inadequate, or out of their depth when confronted with the particular issue at hand. It might signify a variety of difficulties such as being unable to find a solution, feeling overwhelmed by pressure or stress, lacking the necessary resources or support, or simply experiencing emotional turmoil.
This idiom can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, including personal, professional, academic, or social aspects of life. For example, someone might say, "She cannot handle criticism" to indicate that the person is easily affected or becomes defensive when faced with negative feedback. Similarly, the phrase may be used in situations where an individual struggles to cope with a heavy workload, complex problems, high-pressure environments, or intense emotions.
