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
Gradually England managed to get the upper hand though and, after a high hit from Kyle Rowe on Ollie Chessum had deprived Scotland of field position, England crept ahead off the tee.
From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025
Defenders certainly couldn’t get the upper hand on Alt much over the past three seasons.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 3, 2024
Crews were able to get the upper hand by 2 p.m., stopping the fire’s forward progress, but not before several outbuildings and vehicles had been destroyed.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023
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.
