get the upper hand
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Maybe I need to push myself and buy some outfits that would let me get the upper hand in diplomatic negotiations,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 24, 2025
Shakespeare and Anne wrestle to get the upper hand of a plot that seems to have a mind of its own.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2025
The first round saw Khizriev get the upper hand with the grappling, ducking under a Loughnane spinning back kick and controlling the action on the ground for the remainder of the round.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2024
OK, so the Raiders did get the upper hand on the Seahawks their fair share of times in those days, such as the aforementioned ’83 title game.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 24, 2022
Up to now reason has always won the battle, but will my emotions get the upper hand?
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
