the upper hand

noun

: the position of having power or being in control in a particular situation

He always has to have the upper hand.

—sometimes used figuratively

The infection was gaining the upper hand and the patient's condition was deteriorating.

Examples of the upper hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Upon gaining the upper hand, Helen threatens him in the manner of a wrathful domestic goddess. —

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government pursued policies that prolonged the war, strained the economy, and intensified polarization, giving the upper hand to Israel’s enemies. —

Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024 Then Rod tried to turn the tables — by attempting to take the upper hand in the interview. —

Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2024 As in post-Qaddafi Libya, a fresh round of civil war could break out as different factions, backed by different countries, fight for the upper hand. —

John Feffer, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the upper hand

Cite this Entry

Style

“The upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20upper%20hand. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation