Where did the expression "to reach the handle"?

In ancient Rus cakes baked in the shape of the castle with a round bow. Citizens often bought cakes and ate them on the street, holding the handle of this, or a pen. For reasons of hygiene in food handle itself did not use, and give it to the poor, or thrown to be devoured by dogs. According to one version, about those who are not averse to eat it, saying, reached the handle. And today, the expression "to reach the handle" means exactly fall, losing a human face.