have the upper hand

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For industry insiders, "Sinners" may have the upper hand with SAG-AFTRA, which represents more than 160,000 members -- but that may not hold true in two weeks for the Academy Awards.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

“As soon as they think they have the upper hand, they’ll tell us to go away.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

For the first few months Grenell seemed to have the upper hand: There were prisoner exchanges, deportation flights, Chevron’s license was renewed.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2026

Or maybe it’s not kindness at all but, rather, a way to reassure herself that she will always have the upper hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

“Let’s just say they’re not very good husbands. Mom gives the wives proof, so they have the upper hand in the divorce.”

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix