handle vs tackle

handle

noun
  • The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved. 

  • A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable. 

  • A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol. 

  • The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point. 

  • The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments. 

  • An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext. 

  • A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls. 

  • A 10 fluid ounce (285 mL) glass of beer. 

  • A point, an extremity of land. 

  • The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch. 

  • A name, nickname or pseudonym. 

  • A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel. 

verb
  • To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell. 

  • To treat, to deal with (in a specified way). 

  • To manage, use, or wield with the hands. 

  • To put up with; to endure (and continue to function). 

  • To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball. 

  • To use the hands. 

  • To accustom to the hand; to take care of with the hands. 

  • To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art. 

  • To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed). 

  • To be concerned with; to be an expert in. 

  • To manage, control, or direct. 

  • To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s). 

tackle

noun
  • A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook. 

  • Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground. 

  • A block and tackle. 

  • A man's genitalia. 

  • Equipment, gear, gadgetry. 

  • A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football. 

  • Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling. 

  • An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position. 

  • A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground. 

  • Clothing. 

  • A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position. 

verb
  • To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in. 

  • To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down. 

  • To bring a ball carrier to the ground. 

  • To attempt to take away a ball. 

  • To force a person to the ground with the weight of one's own body, usually by jumping on top or slamming one's weight into them. 

How often have the words handle and tackle occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )