ENGLISH
REFERENCE

upper hand

idiom
Meaning

Advantage or control.


Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English over hond, from Old English ofer- + hand (superior control; superior position). Not, as supposed, from a card game or counting-out game.

Examples
SIMPLE

She has the upper hand in the game now.

CONTEXTUAL

Because he prepared for the meeting so well, he had the upper hand during the negotiation.

COMPLEX

The experienced diplomat gained the upper hand by anticipating the opposition's arguments and addressing them before they were even raised.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  2. 02

    bear a hand

    To make haste; to help quickly.

  3. 03

    big hand

    Synonym of minute hand (on a clock face).

  4. 04

    bite someone's hand off

    To enthusiastically accept an offer.

  5. 05

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

  6. 06

    cap in hand

    In a humble and respectful manner.

  7. 07

    cold hand

    Used in reference to a player who fails to make successful shots in a game.

  8. 08

    deal a bad hand

    To assign unfavorable circumstances in life to someone.

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