get the upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get the upper hand" is a commonly used and accepted phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone gaining control or power in a situation. For example, "The company was struggling, but with the help of some new investments, they managed to get the upper hand in their market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The drugs get the upper hand.

The New York Times

They always seem to get the upper hand somehow.

The New Yorker

"It always seems like the men get the upper hand.

The Guardian

Economic stabilisation was undermined, and this helped Slobodan Milosovic to get the upper hand.

The Economist

Within the legitimate trade, the booksellers had begun to get the upper hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But over time, they enabled the government to get the upper hand against the cartels.

The New York Times

Often, the goodies figure out a way to get the upper hand through luck or guile.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Not letting negativity get the upper hand is really, really critical.

The Guardian

By doing that, he believes he can get the upper hand.

The New Yorker

"It was hard work early but I managed to get the upper hand there.

The Guardian - Sport

Conditions in South Australia eased, allowing firefighters to get the upper hand on numerous bushfires.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get the upper hand" to describe situations where someone is gaining control or an advantage, particularly in competitive scenarios. For example, "By investing in new technologies, the company aimed to "get the upper hand" in the market."

Common error

Avoid using "get the upper hand" when the context implies complete or guaranteed victory. The phrase suggests gaining an advantage, not necessarily achieving total dominance. Consider using "secure victory" or "achieve dominance" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the upper hand" functions as a verb phrase that typically describes an action of gaining a tactical or strategic advantage. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is generally well accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get the upper hand" is a widely used idiom that describes gaining an advantage or control in a particular situation. Ludwig confirms it is a well-accepted phrase. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to informal conversations, indicating its versatility and broad understanding. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience to ensure appropriate tone and formality. Alternatives like "gain the advantage" or "seize the initiative" may be more suitable for formal writing, ensuring a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain the advantage

Focuses on obtaining a beneficial position rather than complete dominance.

secure an advantage

Highlights the act of making an advantage safe or certain.

gain control

Highlights the act of taking charge and managing a situation.

outmaneuver

Focuses on using strategy and tactics to gain an advantage.

seize the initiative

Emphasizes proactively taking action to gain an advantage.

establish dominance

Refers to setting up a state of control or authority.

dominate

Implies a stronger, more forceful control over a situation or opponent.

prevail

Suggests ultimate success or victory after a struggle.

triumph

Implies a significant victory or success.

get ahead

Focuses on progressing or surpassing others, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

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

You can use "get the upper hand" to describe gaining an advantage or control in a competitive situation. For example, "The negotiator tried to "gain the advantage" by presenting a strong opening offer."

What are some alternatives to "get the upper hand"?

Alternatives include "gain control", "seize the initiative", or "outmaneuver" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "get the upper hand" in formal writing?

While "get the upper hand" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "secure an advantage" or "establish dominance" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "get the upper hand" and "win"?

"Get the upper hand" implies gaining an advantage or control during a process, while "win" suggests the final outcome of achieving victory. You can "get the upper hand" multiple times during a negotiation, but you only "win" once at the end.