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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The Ravens are hot too, though, and have the upper hand in experience. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 For now, China and Russia have the upper hand in the internal debate about shaping the future of BRICS. —

Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 24 Sep. 2024 The surge comes on the heels of the recent presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, where Harris appeared to have the upper hand. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Most commentators and observers agreed that Harris got the upper hand in the showdown, with the vice president generally remaining on the attack while putting Trump on the defensive. —

Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the upper hand

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“The upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20upper%20hand. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

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