The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word HILT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
H
I
L
T
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Handle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case handle = hilt.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HILT mean?
HILT noun- The handle of a sword, consisting of grip, guard, and pommel, designed to facilitate use of the blade and afford protection to the hand.
- The base of the penis.
- To provide with a hilt.
- To insert (a bodily extremity) as far as it can go into a sexual orifice so that it is impeded by the wider base to which it is attached (finger until palm, penis until pelvis).