have 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.

For the first few months Grenell seemed to have the upper hand: There were prisoner exchanges, deportation flights, Chevron’s license was renewed.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026

“With sentiment recovering and investors increasingly emboldened by the success of the buy-the-dip approach, bulls clearly have the upper hand into year end,” he wrote.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

AI experts say it’s too early to tell who will ultimately have the upper hand in AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Despite the best efforts of Shaun Wane's men, Australia still have the upper hand.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

Whatever they faced, he’d have the upper hand as long as they were at sea.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan