upper hand

noun

: mastery, advantage, control

was determined not to let the opposition get the upper hand

Synonyms of upper hand

• advantage
• edge
• high ground

Examples of upper hand in a Sentence

finally gained the upper hand in the argument

Recent Examples on the Web

The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries’ biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column. —Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Does that give an upper hand to British Hamnet star Joe Alwyn? —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 May 2026

The Virginia measure became a turning point, Jeffries' biggest swing yet, putting Democrats essentially at parity, if not a potential upper hand in the number of seats gained, and shifting Old Dominion more securely into the party’s column. —ABC News, 14 May 2026

Trump has wielded the ceasefire as a carrot and stick, issuing peace overtures one day and threats the next day, all in an attempt to get an upper hand in the negotiations. —Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upper hand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

upper hand

noun

: the position of being ahead or in control