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

For industry insiders, "Sinners" may have the upper hand with SAG-AFTRA, which represents more than 160,000 members -- but that may not hold true in two weeks for the Academy Awards.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

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

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

But Richie Dixon always seemed to have the upper hand.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz