English Explanatory Dictionary

upper hand

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Advantage or control.
  2. The place of honour accorded to a social superior when walking together; the right of way in walking

Pronunciation

En-au-upper hand.ogg

Word forms

upper hand the upper hand upper hands

Etymology

From Middle English over hond, from Old English ofer- + hand (superior control; superior position). Not, as supposed, from a card game or counting-out game.

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