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.
Morgan says outsiders — like tech entrepreneur Beto Altamirano and former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos — have an upper hand, in part because support among current councilmembers will be split. Megan Stringer, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024 Devine has upper hand in campaign support, experience Texas is one of eight states where partisan elections govern the selection of justices to the state's highest civil and criminal courts. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Feb. 2024 Republicans led by former President Donald Trump still have an upper hand, largely because the GOP is still seen as the party with stronger free-market allegiances. Philip Elliott, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Its products have been credited as key to Turkey gaining an upper hand in its fight against Kurdish militants. Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 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

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 2 Dec. 2024.

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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