noun
position of advantage and control (Freq. 1)
• Syn: ↑upper hand
• Hypernyms: ↑superiority, ↑favorable position, ↑favourable position
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noun1. : the hand holding the whip in driving
2. : positive control : advantage
have been negotiating as if they had the whip hand — New York Times
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1. the hand that holds the whip, in driving.
2. an advantageous or controlling position: She had the whip hand throughout the debate.
[1670-80]
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whip hand noun
1. The hand that holds the whip
2. The advantage
• • •
Main Entry: ↑whip
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whip hand,
1. the hand (normally, the right hand) that holds the whip in driving.
2. Figurative. a position of control; advantage: »
A clever person frequently gets the whip hand over others.
SYNONYM(S): mastery.* * *
noun
the whip hand
: the position of having power or being in control in a particular situation
The owners of the company had/held the whip hand in the negotiations.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.