have the upper hand

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to have an advantage or more control than someone else

Why this phrase?

From a hand-over-hand grip contest; figuratively means having the advantage.

Example

“In the negotiations, the buyer had the upper hand.”

Dictionary details

Tags

control

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

every which way Informal · CEFR B1

in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way

fall in line Neutral · CEFR B1

to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority

get out of hand Neutral · CEFR B1

To become impossible to control.

in the hands of Neutral · CEFR B1

under the control or responsibility of someone

under lock and key Neutral · CEFR B1

kept securely locked away so that access or escape is prevented

batten down the hatches Neutral · CEFR B2

to prepare yourself and your resources for an approaching difficult situation

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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