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Upper Hand for Dummies

noun

What does Upper Hand really mean?

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"Upper hand" is an expression we often use to describe a situation where someone has a advantage over someone else. Think of it like a game - imagine you and a friend are playing a game of tag, and you manage to touch them and become 'it.' In this case, you have the upper hand because you have the advantage of being 'it' and can now chase your friend to try and tag them. They have to make all the effort to avoid being tagged while you have the control. Similarly, in different situations, one person can have the upper hand over another, meaning they have the advantage or power in that particular situation.

Let me give you an example:

Imagine you and your friend are working on a school project together, and you both have different ideas on how to approach it. In the beginning, you might compromise and come up with a plan that combines both of your ideas. But as the project progresses, you realize that your idea is working better, and your friend agrees to go with your approach. In this situation, you have the upper hand because your idea is being used, and your friend is willing to follow your lead.

The good thing about the concept of the upper hand is that it can change and shift during different situations. Just like in a game of tag, one moment you might be 'it' and have the upper hand, but in the next moment, your friend might touch you, and they gain the upper hand. It all depends on the circumstances and how things unfold.

You might come across this expression in other contexts as well. For example, in a negotiation, if one person has more power or leverage, they have the upper hand. Or in a conflict or argument, when one person has more control or influence, they can be said to have the upper hand because they are in a more advantageous position.

To summarize, when we say someone has the upper hand, it means they have an advantage or power over someone else in a particular situation. It's like being 'it' in a game of tag and having control over the game. Remember, the upper hand can change from one person to another depending on the circumstances.


Revised and Fact checked by Jack Taylor on 2023-10-29 22:47:26

Upper Hand In a sentece

Learn how to use Upper Hand inside a sentece

  • In a race, if one person starts before the other, they have the upper hand because they are ahead.
  • During a game of hide-and-seek, if you are hiding in a very good spot where nobody can find you, you have the upper hand.
  • If you study for a test and know all the answers, you have the upper hand because you are more prepared than your classmates.
  • In a negotiation, if you have done your research and know more about the topic than the other person, you have the upper hand in the discussion.
  • When playing a card game, if you have more high-value cards in your hand than your opponent, you have the upper hand because you have a better chance of winning.

Upper Hand Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

whip hand

Upper Hand Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

favorable position favourable position superiority