the upper hand
Dominant strategic position
The upper hand is a position of advantage or control over someone or something.
To have the upper hand is to be in the stronger position; to gain the upper hand is to achieve dominance in a contest or negotiation.
The phrase often describes shifting power dynamics: The defense had the upper hand until new evidence emerged.
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- take chargeBegin leading a situation
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- winAchieve victory
- wrestSeize by force
edge · competitive edge · control · leverage · firm grip · authority · hold sway · hold · grasp · initiative · seize · outmaneuver · power play · trump · competition · ascendancy · one-upmanship · prevail
the upper handsubservience
Excessive willingness to obey
subordination · submission · subjugation · powerlessness · inferiority
the upper handvulnerability
Openness to harm
exposure · behind the eight ball · on the ropes · over a barrel · in a bind