ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whip hand

idiom
Meaning

An advantage over another; the dominant position.


Examples
SIMPLE

She has the whip hand in these negotiations.

CONTEXTUAL

Because the company needs the contract, our team currently holds the whip hand.

COMPLEX

By securing exclusive access to the raw materials, the corporation gained the whip hand over its competitors in the global market.

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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