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.

And the Iranians will come into the talks thinking they have the upper hand.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Or maybe it’s not kindness at all but, rather, a way to reassure herself that she will always have the upper hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

The bring-it-home camp seems to have the upper hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

With both sides dug in and thinking they have the upper hand, it’s unlikely either side will meaningfully roll back export restrictions for now, analysts say.

From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025

But Richie Dixon always seemed to have the upper hand.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz