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

A scarcity of talent has, on balance, given workers the upper hand over their employers.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 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

But after telling his corner he had hurt his hip, Murphy struggled to defend takedowns like he had before and Evloev gained the upper hand in the closing stages.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Looking at the small firefights and numbers of enemy killed, de la O figured the United States had the upper hand.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge