keep the upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "keep the upper hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has control of a situation. For example, "I need to keep the upper hand in this negotiation or they will get the better deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even rebellious children beg for parents' approval, and parents keep the upper hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Republicans still hold most of the governorships, and seem likely to keep the upper hand.

The Economist

It's an involving adventure in which the teenagers' snidey 21st-century manners keep the upper hand over the novel's more mystical aspects.

The Guardian - Books

And the cable companies intend to push the technology strongly to keep the upper hand over a competing technology: the digital subscriber line, or D.S.L., that is coming soon from the telephone companies.

The New York Times - Tech

However, should this perception shift or should a more mainstream figure emerge elsewhere in the country, the regime may not be able to keep the upper hand so easily in the future.

The Washington Post

… Perhaps there was no grand vision, merely the method that had served him all his life, that is, to keep the upper hand and the enemy on the wrong foot at all times".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The earth keeps the upper hand because its gravitational field (gravity) is 81 times as strong as the moon's.

The New Yorker

The Daily News of New York narrowly kept the upper hand on its crosstown tabloid rival, The New York Post, owned by Mr. Murdoch.

The New York Times

Sympathy, encouraged from the White House, has kept the upper hand, but negative opinion, along with the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes, has crept slowly upward.

The New York Times

If the civilian leadership keeps the upper hand, that could foreshadow a more robust pace of change in the country's deeply impoverished economy, they say.

The New York Times

Palmer's power in the Senate has, until now, been vested in his ability to deliver three guaranteed votes to the government – after extracting whatever concessions he's deemed necessary to maintain the impression that he's kept the upper hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep the upper hand" when you want to emphasize maintaining control or a strategic advantage, especially in competitive or challenging situations. Consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the level of control you intend to describe.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "keep the upper hand" excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay in control" or "manage the situation" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the upper hand" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is typically used as a verbal phrase to indicate the act of maintaining control or a position of advantage in a competitive or challenging situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep the upper hand" is a useful expression for conveying the idea of maintaining control or advantage in a given situation. As Ludwig AI points out, the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is particularly common in contexts like news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, consider the alternatives provided, such as "maintain control" or "retain dominance", to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in informal settings where simpler language may be more appropriate. Remember that using "keep the upper hand" effectively means understanding the subtle power dynamics at play in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control

This alternative focuses on the act of keeping control, omitting the metaphorical aspect of "upper hand".

preserve the advantage

This focuses on not losing a favorable position already gained.

remain in charge

This emphasizes authority and responsibility for a situation.

retain dominance

This suggests holding onto a position of power, emphasizing a hierarchical relationship.

hold the reins

This metaphor suggests controlling a situation like a horse, emphasizing guidance and direction.

stay ahead

This alternative emphasizes progress and being in a leading position, rather than direct control.

keep in the lead

This emphasizes being in a leading position, suitable for competitive situations.

dominate the situation

This implies a more forceful and complete control over events.

have the edge

Implies a slight advantage that could lead to overall control.

call the shots

This idiom refers to making the important decisions and dictating the course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep the upper hand" to describe maintaining control or a strategic advantage in a situation. For example, "In negotiations, it's crucial to keep the upper hand to secure the best deal."

What does it mean to "keep the upper hand"?

To "keep the upper hand" means to maintain control, dominance, or a strategic advantage in a situation, negotiation, or competition.

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

You can use alternatives like "maintain control", "retain dominance", or "stay ahead" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "keep the upper hand" or "gain the upper hand"?

"Keep the upper hand" implies maintaining an existing advantage, while "gain the upper hand" suggests acquiring control or advantage that you did not previously have. The better phrase depends on whether you already have control or are trying to achieve it.