hold the whip hand

hold the whip hand

To have the most power or influence in a particular situation or setting. As the editor in chief, I hold the whip hand and give final approval for the layout of every issue—remember that.
See also: hand, hold, whip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get, have, hold, etc. the ˈwhip hand (over somebody)

have power or control (over somebody): The government knows that the army have the whip hand. Our opponents had the whip hand over us right from the beginning.
See also: hand, whip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • have the whip hand
  • get the whip hand
  • get, have, hold, etc. the whip hand
  • whipping
  • under the influence
  • whip (someone or something) on
  • whip on
  • backstairs influence
  • the whip hand
  • under the influence of alcohol
References in periodicals archive
But with Napoli understood to also be interested in Tierney, the Hoops boss has made it clear it is his club who hold the whip hand in negotiations.
Lennon's no Goonah offload KT
We all have to take responsibility for our health, but let's start with those who hold the whip hand when it comes to supplying our food.
Is big business to blame for our obesity crisis?
We all have to take responsibility for our health but let's start with those who hold the whip hand when it comes to supplying our food.
Is big business to blame for obesity? SUE LEE COLUMN
But the legendary manager, left, believes his horseracing pal Dermot Desmond may still hold the whip hand as Celtic race for Nine in a Row.
Dermot will tool up to KO Gerrard; DERMOT TO KO GERRARD
But the managerial legend believes his horseracing pal Dermot Desmond may still hold the whip hand as Celtic race for Nine in a Row.
title race to be red hot
PR requires messy compromises, frequently allows smaller parties to hold the whip hand and can result in political stasis but it at least offers a voice to those of different views.
Britain's electoral system is not fit for purpose: Mirror Politics morning briefing; Across Europe political parties are splintering. Will the UK be next? And is our electoral system suited to this changing landscape?
Drama, movie and TV program directors hold the whip hand over actors' careers.
The tip of the iceberg
They aren't bound with either Sissoko or Wijnaldum by a release clause written into their contracts stipulating a fee as they were with Andros Townsend and so United hold the whip hand.
Newcastle United are right to demand top dollar for Sissoko and Co - and here's why; Rafa Benitez should take the Andy Carroll approach when it comes to selling anyone from Newcastle United this summer
And the dearth of quality accommodation means the landlords currently hold the whip hand over occupiers, according to Matt.
Retail and auto driving a strong industrial recovery
The Labour leader insisted there would be no coalition with the SNP and denied that Ms Sturgeon's party would hold the whip hand on policy, telling BBC1's Breakfast: "A Labour government led by me, what happens in that Labour government will be decided by me, not by the SNP."
Major warns of 'real and present danger' from SNP
The outcome was seen as a setback for Francis at the hands of a body in which conservatives continue to hold the whip hand ahead of the second synod this October.
Two years and counting: Pope's opponents play waiting game
Neither Manchester City nor Liverpool are able to make the same commitment but with Ajax prepared to blood him in the Eredivisie, they hold the whip hand.
Odegaard in snub to Kop
With other potential allies of the BJP also projected to fare well in the elections, the party would hold the whip hand in parliament, the poll suggested.
India's BJP set to sweep elections:Polls
Whoever navigates it best this week, keeps their players tuned up and mentally sharp, will hold the whip hand. Fitzgerald said: "I've never come across this situation before.
RUNNING ON EMPTY; ALL-IRELAND: HURLING FINAL REPLAY But Davy Fitzgerald is aiming to lift Clare
Most citizens of Europe have a clear idea of who runs their own governments, but only a handful could tell you unprompted which parties hold the whip hand in the European Parliament.
A Two-Speed Europe Where the 'Slow' Outrun the 'Fast'