Meaning of "break the handle"

[Lia]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #32 "Responses (5)", question 3

Jill: 'I'm afraid I've just broken the handle.'
Frank: '.........'

(a) Don't brood.
(b) Don't annoy.
(c) Don't worry.
(d) Don't anger.

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #32 "Responses (5)", answer 3

Jill: 'I'm afraid I've just broken the handle.'
Frank: 'Don't worry.'

Correct answer: (c) Don't worry.

Your answer was: correct
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Hi Mr Alan,
Please explain for me what ' broke the handle'?
Thank yo very much

[Mister Micawber]

.
Break = destroy the integrity of; usually by force; cause to separate into pieces or fragments

Handle = the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it (Example: "He grabbed the hammer by the handle").
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Ifra]

Hi, Mr. Alan,
Isn't "break the handle" kind of phrase or idiom?

Thank a lot
Ifra,

[Mister Micawber]

No, it is not an English idiom. These are English idioms:

Fly off the handle
Break the mold
Get a handle on smth.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hollandhaggis]

Mister Micawber,

Am I right in thinking that ' to break the mold ' would be US English?

In British English I think the expression is 'to break the mould' (the mould being a container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens) ?

For students who don't know this idiom, it's often used to compliment someone on his or her abilities or character .. " they broke the mould when they made you ."

[Mister Micawber]

They are simply alternative spellings.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hollandhaggis]

Thanks :-)