whip hand

noun

position of advantage and control (Freq. 1)

• Syn: ↑upper hand

• Hypernyms: ↑superiority, ↑favorable position, ↑favourable position

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noun

1. : 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.

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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.