the upper hand

Definition: To have more power than someone else, so that you are able to control a situation.

The company gained the upper hand in the business by buying its competitors.

After hours of fierce negotiation, the President gained the upper hand.

by 请关注公众号：英文口语专家 June 7, 2019

upstate hand shake

“One finger in the throat and one in the rectum......"

When a neurological oriented member of a trauma 1 team checks gag reflex and performs a digital rectal examination simultaneously. This is usually performed on trauma patients to determine extent of abdominal, pelvic, and neurological injuries. New evidence shows the procedure is unnecessary but it's still performed and some have become fond of it's diagnostic powers.

"Espsoito et al (2005) found that none of 512 patients would have had a significant injury missed had the DRE been omitted." (Life In The Fast Lane)."Adding insult to injury?"

I just tried the ole Upstate Hand shake on the patient in room 2. Nurse, we're gonna need some restraints and sedation because they're fighting us for some reason!

by Doctor Jelly Finger February 8, 2014

upper hand

to have the higher or better position in the situation.

to be in the lead or winning.

ex. Dave has the upper hand in the card game because he is winning.

by mr.desperado March 31, 2015

gain the upper hand

Where you are able to happily grasp and retain a nice gal's "upper" hand --- i.e., the one opposite to her "lower" hand from the shoulder that she's lying on --- while stretched out on your sides at the beach or spooning her in bed.

Being allowed to gain the upper hand while spooning with a nice girl is always a pleasure; just remember to always employ the wrist-twist compromise to ensure maximum comfort for both of you.

by QuacksO August 9, 2018