be handful for

[GUEST2008]

Hi

Mr X is a talented boxer and has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He was/is a handful for any opponent.

What does it mean he is a handful for any opponent?

[5jj]

Any opponent will find it difficult to beat him.

[Barb_D]

However, that's not how I'm used to seeing this idiom used. The usage I'm personally familiar with is for rambunctious children. "Ah yes. Little Peter. He's quite a handful. Last week he put a frog in his sister's bed. This week, he painted the seat of his teacher's chair."

What do others think?

[emsr2d2]

I agree that Barb's is the more common usage but if I saw it used in the context of a sportsperson, I would have no trouble understanding what was meant.

[SoothingDave]

However, that's not how I'm used to seeing this idiom used. The usage I'm personally familiar with is for rambunctious children. "Ah yes. Little Peter. He's quite a handful. Last week he put a frog in his sister's bed. This week, he painted the seat of his teacher's chair."

What do others think?

I agree. In a fighting context "he would have his hands full" is what I would expect to hear.