get the upper hand
get the upper hand
To come to be in a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is getting the upper hand. The home team got the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury.
See also: get, hand, upper
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get, have, gain, etc. the ˌupper ˈhand (over somebody)
get, etc. power or control over somebody, especially in a fight, competition, etc: Our team gained the upper hand in the second half of the match. The police claim they have the upper hand in their fight against the drug dealers.See also: hand, upper
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- I'll try (one) later
- a run on (something)
- a rush on (something)
- sell (one's) soul (to the devil)
- sell your soul
- be knocking on heaven's door
- ask (something) of
- ask of
- bad time
- a bad time