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.

Police eventually cleared the show, but Dead City had the upper hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Only hours before the announcement of the ceasefire, the hardline Chief Justice, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, told Iranian state TV that Iran was seeking an end to the war while still maintaining an upper hand.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

More broadly, businesses are reclaiming the upper hand in the employer-employee relationship after a period of worker empowerment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

A bond bigger than any crown pulses through the five of us, and, for the first time since the start of this pageant, I know it’s me who has the upper hand.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy