gaining the upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining the upper hand" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is gaining an advantage or control in a situation. Example: "After several rounds of negotiation, she finally started gaining the upper hand." Alternative expressions include "taking control" and "gaining an advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As did France, who were gaining the upper hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Revolutionary Islam seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Istomin seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

The New York Times

As a result, realists such as James Baker are gaining the upper hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I believe we are gaining the upper hand," he said.

The New York Times

Bulls have reason to think that they are gaining the upper hand after years of disappointment.

The New York Times

There are signs that the realists are gaining the upper hand.

The New York Times

After a shaky start, Ireland are slowly gaining the upper hand.

The Guardian - Sport

"I corrected her, gaining the upper hand: "My name's not Dor".

The New Yorker

But now Leonid Kuchma seems to be gaining the upper hand over the opposition.

The Economist

The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) thinks it is gaining the upper hand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining the upper hand" to describe situations where one party is actively working to secure a more favorable position. For example, "The negotiator was gaining the upper hand by presenting compelling data."

Common error

Avoid using "gaining the upper hand" when describing a situation where someone is simply maintaining their existing position. This phrase implies a shift in power dynamics, not just the status quo.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining the upper hand" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the action of one party achieving an advantage or a position of dominance over another. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining the upper hand" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that accurately describes the process of securing a competitive advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in numerous contexts. While its usage spans various domains, it's most prevalent in news and media, reflecting its relevance in describing strategic developments and power dynamics. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations involving active shifts in power, not just the maintenance of an existing advantage. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "gaining the upper hand" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining control

Focuses on the act of taking charge and establishing authority.

gaining an advantage

Emphasizes the attainment of a beneficial position.

achieving dominance

Highlights the attainment of a superior and commanding position.

gaining ascendancy

Implies a gradual rise to a position of power or influence.

turning the tables

Suggests reversing a previously unfavorable situation to one's advantage.

getting the edge

Refers to obtaining a slight advantage over a competitor.

seizing the initiative

Highlights the act of taking proactive steps to gain an advantage.

establishing superiority

Focuses on creating a state of being better or more powerful.

gaining ground

Emphasizes making progress and improving one's position gradually.

gaining leverage

Implies using resources or influence to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining the upper hand" to describe a situation where someone is starting to get an advantage. For instance: "In the debate, she was slowly gaining the upper hand by refuting each of his arguments."

What's a good alternative to "gaining the upper hand"?

Consider using "gaining control", "gaining an advantage", or "achieving dominance" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gaining the upper hand" or "gaining the advantage"?

Both phrases are correct, but "gaining the upper hand" implies a more direct competition or struggle, while "gaining an advantage" can refer to a broader range of situations where one party is improving their position.

How does "gaining the upper hand" differ from "maintaining control"?

"Gaining the upper hand" suggests a shift in power, where someone is actively working to improve their position. "Maintaining control", on the other hand, implies holding onto an existing position of power or dominance.