upper hand
Meaning
An advantage or position of control over someone or something.
Origin
From a literal sense of having one's hand higher than an opponent (physical advantage) in contests; attested from the 16thβ17th century to mean an advantage or control.
Notes
Neutral to competitive tone. Implies control or advantage. Common in conversational, news, and business contexts. Usually used with the definite article "the."
Examples
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After several rounds of negotiation, the smaller firm finally gained the upper hand.
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Once she revealed the documents, she had the upper hand in the discussion.
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The team lost the upper hand after their star player was injured.
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He tried to take the upper hand, but his opponent stayed calm.
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With public opinion shifting, the opposition party is gaining the upper hand.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as 'have/get/hold/lose the upper hand.' Commonly followed by prepositions like 'in' or 'over' (e.g., 'the upper hand in negotiations'). The definite article 'the' is typical.
Synonyms
- advantage
- edge
- dominance
- control
- superiority
Antonyms
- disadvantage
- at a disadvantage
- on the defensive
- losing ground