American Idioms and Expressions

Upper Hand Idiom

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

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Upper Hand
What does Upper Hand mean?
Control of a situation.If you are wondering who has the upper hand in your relationship, the next time you get up to fetch drinks, take a look on the sofa. There you will find that person.
This phrase originated with the advent of sandlot baseball. In order to determine which team would bat first, one player would grasp the baseball bat at the lower end. A player from the opposing team would then place his hand directly above the first player's hand. They would alternate hands up the bat until the end was reached and one of the players had the "upper hand".
upper hand
What does upper hand mean?
controlling power, advantageThe union members have the upper hand in their negotiations with the company.
upper hand
What does upper hand mean?
a controlling power, an advantage The union members have the upper hand in their negotiations with the company.

Some Random Idioms
not hold a candle to (someone or something)
What does "not hold a candle to (someone or something)" mean?
to not be nearly as good as someone or somethingThe new secretary does not hold a candle to the one who just quit.
walk away/off with (something)
What does "walk away/off with (something)" mean?
take and go away with something, stealSomebody walked away with the computer from the library last night.
map
What does "map" mean?
the face
fall back on (someone or something)
What does "fall back on (someone or something)" mean?
to seek help when other things have failedThe woman had to fall back on her father when her business began to have problems.
a paper tiger
What does "a paper tiger" mean?
a person or organization that is supposed to have a lot of power but actually is very weakThe manager was a paper tiger and did not really have any power in the company.
jackshit
What does "jackshit" mean?
nothing; nothing at all
numbnuts
What does "numbnuts" mean?
dumb, worthless person
fall behind
What does "fall behind" mean?
to fail to keep up with work/studies/payments etc.I fell behind with my homework at the beginning of the term and had problems throughout the year.
lost in thought
What does "lost in thought" mean?
busy thinkingI was lost in thought when my friend phoned me last night.
cut a wide swath
What does "cut a wide swath" mean?
to attract a lot of attentionThe man cuts a wide swath when he enters a room.
junk it
What does "junk it" mean?
discard it; get rid of it

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