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 finale underlines that break in its final scenes, cross-cutting between the former friends as Alicent makes her first and only appearance in the episode at the exact moment the full tragedy of Rhaenyra’s upper hand becomes apparent. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

But Ukraine looks more and more likely to be entering the next round of negotiations with a strong upper hand. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

The first one will give one team an upper hand, but obviously can’t dictate the entire series. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

If a handful of contenders recruit the 35-year-old Montenegrin, his friendship with Jokic should give Denver an upper hand. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 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