They could have handled the hand better

This was uttered by Bill Maher on his February 2 show. He was talking about Presidents that inherit a bad situation from the previous administration. This is a mashup of “handle the situation” (deal with or have responsibility for) and “play the hand you’re dealt” (accept and make the most of the current situation or circumstances). ”Hands” are everywhere! A big thanks to chief malaphor contributor Mike Kovacs for hearing this one and sending it in.