gain the upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain the upper hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which one person or group becomes more powerful or influential than another. For example, "After months of negotiations, the union was finally able to gain the upper hand and get a better contract for its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How can democracy ever gain the upper hand?

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't know which coalition will gain the upper hand.

The New York Times

She said the pirates were using the relatives' anguish to gain the upper hand.

The New York Times

But Worley's egotism also may have made him think he could gain the upper hand.

The New Yorker

My advice to gain the upper hand in this struggle is to demobilize the digital stream.

The New York Times

Matched against terrorism, can a bureaucracy ever gain the upper hand?

The New York Times

Those in Israel who argue for attacking Iran's nuclear installations could gain the upper hand.

The New York Times

Yet this is not an effective way to gain the upper hand against nonstate actors".

The New Yorker

Jewish history is replete with suffering whenever fanatical groups gain the upper hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Apple used this position to gain the upper-hand in partnerships — deal terms were often in their favor.

TechCrunch

Disappointment and fear only gain the upper-hand when we start losing the ability to readily involve ourselves in love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain the upper hand" when you want to emphasize a strategic shift in power or control, especially after a period of competition or struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "gain the upper hand" when simply describing cooperation or mutual benefit; this phrase inherently implies a competitive or adversarial dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain the upper hand" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of achieving a dominant position or advantage over someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain the upper hand" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of acquiring an advantage or a position of control, often after a struggle or competition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. With a neutral register, the phrase is suitable for many contexts, but particularly common in news and media where strategic shifts and power dynamics are frequently discussed. While alternatives like "get the advantage" or "dominate the situation" exist, "gain the upper hand" specifically emphasizes the dynamic process of achieving that advantage. Its frequent usage and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominate the situation

Implies a strong control and influence over events or people.

get the better of

Means to defeat or outsmart someone.

get the advantage

Focuses on obtaining any kind of advantage, not necessarily a dominant one.

establish dominance

Focuses on creating a state of being superior or in control.

seize control

Emphasizes taking command or authority, sometimes abruptly.

prevail over

Suggests overcoming an opponent or challenge.

secure an advantage

Highlights making an advantage safe or certain.

take the lead

Highlights the act of going first or being in front, either literally or figuratively.

turn the tables

Implies reversing a disadvantageous situation.

achieve ascendancy

Refers to gaining a position of rising power or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "gain the upper hand" in a sentence?

Use "gain the upper hand" to describe a situation where someone achieves an advantage after a struggle. For example: "The company needed to innovate to "gain the upper hand" in the market."

What can I say instead of "gain the upper hand"?

You can use alternatives like "get the advantage", "seize control", or "dominate the situation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gain the upper hand" or "gaining the upper hand"?

"Gain the upper hand" is the base form of the idiom. "Gaining the upper hand" is a gerund or present participle form, used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example: "Gain the upper hand requires strategy." vs. "They are "gaining the upper hand" through innovation."

What's the difference between "gain the upper hand" and "have the upper hand"?

"Gain the upper hand" refers to the act of acquiring an advantage, while "have the upper hand" indicates possessing an existing advantage. One describes the process, the other describes the state.