weather gauge

American  

noun

1. Nautical. gauge19

2. the position of advantage; upper hand.

   Having bought out her competitors, she now has the weather gauge in the industry.

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Etymology

Origin of weather gauge

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The Esmeraldo Weather Center in Camagüey registered winds of more than 124 miles per hour before part of the weather gauge blew off.

From New York Times • Sep. 9, 2017

If we can get through the line we'll have the weather gauge of them.

From The Pirates of Shan by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)

For many hours the wind blew easterly, but at three in the afternoon it shifted to the south and gave the enemy the weather gauge.

From Humphrey Bold A Story of the Times of Benbow by Strang, Herbert

As soon as identification was certain, Captain Wellsby hauled to windward to hold the weather gauge and Colonel Stuart called the men to quarters.

From Blackbeard: Buccaneer by Schoonover, Frank Earle

Having the weather gauge, she soon ranged up and opened fire.

From A Lad of Grit A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea in Restoration Times by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)