Daily English Pod

Have the upper hand

Jale Qaraqan

Gmail address: jaleqaraqan@gmail.com

For checking the transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2379282

Have the upper hand

To have the upper hand means to be in a stronger or more powerful position than someone else—in an argument, a competition, a deal, or any situation where control matters.

Examples:

1- During the debate, the candidate gained the upper hand when she brought up her opponent’s past mistakes.
2-
When it comes to pricing, big online stores usually have the upper hand over small local shops.

Hello and welcome to Daily English! today’s expression is is “have the upper hand.” Once again: have the upper hand.

Let’s see if you can figure it out from these hints: In a chess game, one player has taken more pieces, controls the board, and the opponent is struggling.
Two companies are competing to sell the same product. One suddenly drops their price, and customers start rushing in.
What do all these people have in common? Yes—they have the upper hand.

 What does “have the upper hand” mean?  To have the upper hand means to be in a stronger or more powerful position than someone else—in an argument, a competition, a deal, or any situation where control matters.

 Examples: During the debate, the candidate gained the upper hand when she brought up her opponent’s past mistakes.


  •  My little sister usually gets her way. She somehow has the upper hand with our parents!
    When it comes to pricing, big online stores usually have the upper hand over small local shops.
    Can you think of a time when you had the upper hand in a situation? Maybe during a debate, a job interview, or even a board game? I’d love to hear your stories.