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 figurativelyThe 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
Deep Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery While there are plenty of carpet and upholstery cleaner machines on the market, there’s no denying the professionals have the upper hand with this one.
—
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Lovely says that China likely has the upper hand in negotiations for three reasons: The U.S. is dependent on China for many products, China has cultivated markets outside of the U.S., and President Xi Jinping is not facing an upcoming election.
—Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
During the playoffs, though, the Knicks have had the upper hand, albeit slightly.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
While veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco appears to have the upper hand in the competition, Sanders will compete with Flacco, Kenny Pickett and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel in an open quarterback competition for head coach Kevin Stefanski this training camp.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
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Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Lovely says that China likely has the upper hand in negotiations for three reasons: The U.S. is dependent on China for many products, China has cultivated markets outside of the U.S., and President Xi Jinping is not facing an upcoming election.
—Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
During the playoffs, though, the Knicks have had the upper hand, albeit slightly.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
While veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco appears to have the upper hand in the competition, Sanders will compete with Flacco, Kenny Pickett and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel in an open quarterback competition for head coach Kevin Stefanski this training camp.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for the upper hand
Cite this Entry
“The upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20upper%20hand. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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