Manage to get a grip (6)
I believe the answer is:
handle
I believe this is a double definition.
'manage' is the first definition.
(I know that manage can be written as handle)
'get a grip' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for handle that I've seen before include "Cope with" , "Informally, personal title or name - sounds manual" , "Ability to walk on board ship" , "Grip, hold" , "Manipulate; manage" .)