whip hand

American  

noun

1. the hand that holds the whip, in driving.

2. an advantageous or controlling position.

   She had the whip hand throughout the debate.

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whip hand British  

noun

1. (in driving horses) the hand holding the whip

2. advantage or dominating position

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Etymology

Origin of whip hand

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Liu said that the whip hand rightfully belongs to China, since its population gives it a potential consumer market “far exceeding the U.S.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"The CCI has the whip hand and has, on occasions, adopted a 'take it or leave it' approach," he added.

From Reuters

Typically they are a ragtag bunch posturing to one another under the whip hand of a charismatic leader, like Stewart Rhodes — as Tuesday’s hearing revealed.

From Los Angeles Times

Sinn Féin hold the whip hand and can block that, if they so wish, because they have to elect a deputy first minister in the joint office.

From BBC

Nearby, the two military leaders of the militia turned political bloc, which now holds a whip hand in Lebanese affairs, were buried under cutouts of their likenesses.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• control
• domination
• influence
• power
• preeminence
• rule
• sovereignty