How do you use "GRIPS"?

GRIPS

n. C / U

B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɹɪps// UK //ɡɹˈɪps// grips

SIMPLE

He has a firm grip on the steering wheel.

CONTEXTUAL

The tennis player replaced the rubber grips on her rackets to ensure she wouldn't slip during the match.

COMPLEX

The new manager finally has the department in his grips, having successfully reorganised the workflow and addressed the long-standing issues with staff morale.

Usage

Often used in the plural when referring to the physical handles of a bicycle or tool. The singular form is more common for the abstract sense of 'understanding' or 'control'.

Idioms2 entries

01
come to grips with
To confront or deal with directly; to commence a confrontation.
02
get to grips with
To deal (with something) decisively, or to confront (it) head on.

Last updated June 17, 2026