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upper hand
noun
Synonyms
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
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