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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Have the upper hand

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To be in the stronger or more controlling position in a situation.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. With several alternative venues available, we had the upper hand in the negotiation.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To be in the stronger or more controlling position in a situation.
Show the answer

Have the upper hand — To be in the stronger or more controlling position in a situation.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Have the upper hand” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

To be in the stronger or more controlling position in a situation.

Compare: With several alternative venues available, we had the upper hand in the negotiation.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it for a competition, negotiation or disagreement where one side has an advantage. It suits conversation and general writing.

More examples in context

  • The home team had the upper hand after the first round.
  • Knowing the rules thoroughly helped her gain the upper hand in the debate.

Usage note

Keep the before upper hand. You can have, gain or lose the upper hand; an advantage does not guarantee the final result.

A short conversation

A: Why did the supplier agree to discuss the price again?
B: We had other suitable offers, so we had the upper hand.
A: It was useful to compare the options first.

One more practice question

Who has the upper hand in a negotiation?

A. The side currently in the stronger bargaining position.
B. The side with no influence and no available alternatives.

Check your answer

A. The upper hand is a position of greater power or advantage.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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