upper hand

noun

: mastery, advantage, control
was determined not to let the opposition get the upper hand

Examples of upper hand in a Sentence

finally gained the upper hand in the argument
Recent Examples on the Web Ralston Valley 6-1 6 W (47-7 vs. Denver South) Comment: Mustangs one of those rare programs that have had upper hand on Columbine recently. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2024 Weekend Brief spoke with a number of players and observers in the worlds in which Google operates to learn about the problems, possibilities, and potential pitfalls of ending Google’s upper hand. Peter Green, Quartz, 21 Sep. 2024 And the conflict could remain a stalemate for years to come, with no side gaining the decisive upper hand. Andrew J. Tabler, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2013 Recent Supreme Court decisions that weakened federal agencies' regulatory discretion could give insurers an upper hand in court. Maya Goldman, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upper hand 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upper hand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper hand was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near upper hand

Cite this Entry

“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20hand. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

upper hand

noun
: the position of being ahead or in control

More from Merriam-Webster on upper hand

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