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.
“Iran’s decisions show they believe they have the upper hand, with Trump deterred from renewing the fighting,” said Ofer Guterman, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
And the Iranians will come into the talks thinking they have the upper hand.
From Slate • Apr. 8, 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
Despite the best efforts of Shaun Wane's men, Australia still have the upper hand.
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025
“Let’s just say they’re not very good husbands. Mom gives the wives proof, so they have the upper hand in the divorce.”
From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
