- To have a position of advantage, power, or control in a situation, competition, or negotiation.
Explanation
Origin
- Possibly related to card games where the person dealing or holding certain cards has an advantage.
- Another theory links it to physical contests or work (like sawing wood with a two-person saw) where the person in the upper position might have more leverage or control.
- The general sense is being in a superior or more advantageous position.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be calling the shots. (Being in control, making decisions)
- Have them by the balls. (Vulgar, implies having someone in a position where you completely control them through leverage)
- Own them. (In competitive contexts, implies complete dominance)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Got them cornered. (Implies trapping opponent)
- They're fucked. (If the advantage is overwhelming for the *other* side)
Milder/Formal:
- Possess the strategic advantage.
- Be in a superior position.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, including informal, semi-formal, and business settings, when discussing competition, negotiation, or power dynamics.
- Avoid highly informal/vulgar alternatives in professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Low risk. The metaphor of being in a higher or more advantageous position is quite clear.
Examples
- In the negotiation, the party with more information usually has the upper hand.
- She knew his secret, so she had the upper hand.
- With their star player injured, the opposing team suddenly had the upper hand.
Dialogue
Manager A: Their company made a counteroffer for the contract, and it's very competitive.
Manager B: Damn. With their lower production costs, they really have the upper hand right now.
Manager A: I agree. We need to figure out how to emphasize our quality and service to overcome that.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Analysis: Incumbent party has the upper hand going into the election due to recent economic figures. #politics
- Forum Post (Gaming): My opponent had the upper hand early game, but I managed to turn it around. #strategy
- Comment: Whoever controls the supply chain right now has the upper hand in this market.
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Clearly. / No doubt about it. / Unfortunately, yes.
- Disagreement/Counter: I don't know, I think we still have a chance. / Maybe, but it's not over yet.
- Strategic discussion: Okay, so how do we counter that? / What's our next move?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After stating someone has the upper hand:
- Discussion often turns to the implications: So what does that mean for us? / What are they likely to do?
- Or strategy: How can we regain the advantage? / What leverage do we have?
After disagreeing (I don't know...):
- The conversation might involve debating the relative strengths and weaknesses of each side.
Conversation Starter
- No. Assesses the state of play within an ongoing situation, competition, or conflict.
Intonation
- Stress falls on upper and hand.
- Often said with a tone of confidence (if one possesses it) or concern (if the opponent possesses it).
- They definitely have the UPPER HAND.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universally understood and used in English-speaking regions.