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.
This history shows that buying territory in the Arctic has been a longstanding practice for geopolitical rivals struggling to gain an upper hand and ensure their own defense. James Patton Rogers & Caroline Kennedy Pipe / Made By History , TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 Related Articles Firefighters gain upper hand after 80-acre Bonsall fire forces evacuations in California Editorial: Colorado’s new last-resort insurance company shares a name with California’s. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2025 Liberals will hope that recent shifts in the electorate, along with a potential reaction to Trump, can once again give them an upper hand this year. Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025 Winds poised to intensify, complicating LA wildfire battle Efforts to gain an upper hand against the deadly infernos continue into Monday amid ominous new wind warnings threatening Southern California communities. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 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

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 1 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!