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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Catch Up On The Story Stars, Mikko Rantanen gain upper hand on Jets with Game 3 victory: Takeaways The Stars scored three third-period goals to break a tie and earn a 5-2 win in Game 3 and a 2-1 series lead. Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025 The sellers have the slight upper hand as the major indices test import long term areas of support. Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 So that gave us an opportunity to gain more of an upper hand on the fire. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025 Yankees like Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells will perhaps have an early upper hand with the new bats. David K. Li, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upper hand

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upper hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20hand. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

upper hand

noun
: the position of being ahead or in control

More from Merriam-Webster on upper hand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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