[Idiom] GET THE UPPER HAND. - Explore How to Express Winning in Style
Get the upper hand.
Gain advantage.
To "get the upper hand" means to gain a dominant or advantageous position over someone else. It originates from hand-to-hand combat, where having the upper, controlling position was beneficial. Now, this idom is applied more broadly in situations ranging from business negotiations to personal relationships where gaining the advantage can determine success.
Example Sentences
After weeks of negotiation, she finally got the upper hand in the deal.
After weeks of negotiation, she finally gained an advantage in the deal.
In chess, once you lose your queen, your opponent usually gets the crisp upper hand.
In chess, once you lose your queen, your opponent usually gains a significant advantage.
His calm demeanor during the debate helped him get the upper hand over the more aggressive participants.
His calm demeanor during the debate helped him gain an advantage over the more aggressive participants.