get the upper hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Maybe I need to push myself and buy some outfits that would let me get the upper hand in diplomatic negotiations,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Gradually England managed to get the upper hand though and, after a high hit from Kyle Rowe on Ollie Chessum had deprived Scotland of field position, England crept ahead off the tee.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025

Crews began to get the upper hand Monday night on a wildfire that has charred hundreds of acres and forced evacuations in Riverside County.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2023

OK, so the Raiders did get the upper hand on the Seahawks their fair share of times in those days, such as the aforementioned ’83 title game.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2022

Three days later, on a Saturday morning, as we were making breakfast, the camp learned that the firefighters had begun to get the upper hand.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep