to gain the upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to gain the upper hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone achieves a position of advantage or control over others. Example: "In negotiations, it's crucial to strategize effectively to gain the upper hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the pirates were using the relatives' anguish to 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

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

The New York Times

Both threw back the other side's slogans in an effort to gain the upper hand.

The Guardian

To gain the upper hand, parents have to make unpopular calls and stick with them.

The New York Times

In response, he has done much to try to gain the upper hand.

Independent

This is simultaneously a threat to Gus, who needs both men, and an opportunity to gain the upper hand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Industry experts had initially expected International Paper to gain the upper hand, citing its deep pockets and successful acquisition strategy.

The New York Times

But Donnell said that with buyers becoming more scarce, they may now start to gain the upper hand over sellers.

The Guardian - Money

"Microsoft is looking for any way it can to gain the upper hand," said Diane Greene, the president of VMware.

The New York Times - Tech

Every time the Steelers appeared to gain the upper hand, Lewis squirted free for a few more yards.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "to gain the upper hand" when you want to emphasize the strategic effort to achieve a position of dominance or advantage in a competitive situation, negotiation, or conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "to gain the upper hand" in situations where cooperation or collaboration is expected, as it implies a competitive and potentially adversarial relationship. It is more appropriate when describing strategies in business, politics, or sports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to gain the upper hand" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a verb indicating an action taken with the intention of achieving a dominant position. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to gain the upper hand" is a commonly used infinitive phrase that expresses the intention to achieve a position of dominance or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, business, and encyclopedia sources. When writing, remember that while ubiquitous, this phrase is typically most appropriate in competitive contexts, emphasizing strategic efforts and tactical maneuvering. Using alternatives such as "to get an advantage" or "to seize control" can provide nuanced variations depending on your specific objective and situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get an advantage

Focuses on obtaining any form of advantage, not necessarily control.

to seize control

Emphasizes taking control forcefully or decisively.

to dominate

Suggests a more powerful and comprehensive control.

to acquire dominance

Highlights the process of obtaining a dominant position.

to establish superiority

Focuses on proving oneself as superior to others.

to prevail

Implies overcoming obstacles to achieve a winning position.

to get ahead

Suggests making progress and surpassing others in a competitive environment.

to outmaneuver

Focuses on using clever tactics to gain an advantage over an opponent.

to outwit

Emphasizes using intelligence and cunning to gain an advantage.

to turn the tables

Suggests reversing a disadvantageous situation to one's favor.

FAQs

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

You can use "to gain the upper hand" to describe strategic actions taken to achieve a dominant position, such as: "The company launched a new marketing campaign "to gain the upper hand" in the market."

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

Some alternatives include "to get an advantage", "to seize control", or "to dominate", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "to gain the upper hand" in a friendly competition?

While "to gain the upper hand" is generally suitable for competitive situations, it might sound overly aggressive in a friendly competition. Consider using milder alternatives like "to get ahead" or "to prevail".

What is the difference between "to gain the upper hand" and "to have an advantage"?

"To gain the upper hand" implies a deliberate effort to achieve a dominant position, while "to have an advantage" simply means possessing a beneficial position, which may not necessarily be the result of strategic action. "The experienced negotiator knew how "to gain the upper hand", giving him "to get an advantage" in the deal".