Upper hand Meaning in English
expression
Definition
If you have the upper hand, you have control or an advantage over someone else, especially in a conflict, competition, or negotiation.
Usage & Nuances
'Upper hand' is mostly used in discussions of power, competition, or arguments. Common collocations include 'gain the upper hand', 'have the upper hand', and 'lose the upper hand.' It is an idiom—avoid literal translation. Formality: neutral. Do not use in very formal writing.
Spanish: ventaja - tener el controlPortuguese (BR): vantagem - domínioPortuguese (PT): vantagem - controloChinese (Simplified): 上风 - 优势Chinese (Traditional): 上風 - 優勢Hindi: बढ़त - नियंत्रणArabic: اليد العليا - السيطرةBengali: প্রভাব - কর্তৃত্ব - নিয়ন্ত্রণRussian: преимущество - превосходствоJapanese: 有利な立場 - 優位Vietnamese: lợi thế - ưu thếKorean: 우세 - 주도권Turkish: üstünlük - avantajUrdu: برتری - فوقیتIndonesian: keunggulan - posisi unggul
Example Sentences
He finally got the upper hand in the game.
basic
If you want to win, you need the upper hand.
basic
The team with the upper hand usually wins.
basic
After the argument, she clearly had the upper hand.
natural
Don’t let them get the upper hand in negotiations.
natural
Once we fix this error, we’ll have the upper hand again.
natural