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.
Fantastic Four should have an upper hand over Superman overseas, considering that the previous films in the franchise made by 20th Century Fox did more of their business offshore. Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 Many argue that spending money in a game gives an upper hand to those who don’t, resulting in an unbalanced in-game experience. Bartosz Skwarczek, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Kiefer Sherwood continues his dream breakout season Colorado had the clear upper hand in controlling the flow of play and generating chances through the first 20 minutes. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 But instead, Beijing exploited this opening to consolidate control, get rich, and gain the economic upper hand over other countries. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 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 31 Jul. 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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