upper hand
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to gain the upper hand
To gain control, superiority, or the decisive advantage in a conflict, competition, or difficult situation.
Nach einem langen Kampf gewann die Feuerwehr die Oberhand über das Feuer.
After a long fight, the fire department gained the upper hand over the fire.
to keep/have the upper hand
To maintain control or the superior position in a situation and not let oneself be defeated.
Trotz der vielen Kritik behielt der Trainer die Oberhand und setzte seine Strategie durch.
Despite all the criticism, the coach kept the upper hand and pushed through his strategy.
The word consists of 'ober' (superior, upper) and 'Hand' (hand). Figuratively speaking, the person has the 'obere Hand' (upper hand) if they have control or the advantage in a conflict.
In der Diskussion gewann sie schnell die Oberhand.
In the discussion, she quickly gained the upper hand.
'Die Oberhand' (the upper hand) is used almost exclusively in fixed combinations with verbs. The most common are 'gewinnen' (to gain), 'bekommen' (to get), 'haben' (to have), and 'behalten' (to keep).
Es ist wichtig, in schwierigen Situationen die Oberhand zu behalten.
It is important to keep the upper hand in difficult situations.
If you want to say what someone gains control over, you use the preposition 'über' (over) followed by the accusative. You gain the upper hand over a person or a thing.
Die Mannschaft gewann die Oberhand über den Gegner.
The team gained the upper hand over the opponent.
The choice of verb changes the meaning. 'Die Oberhand gewinnen' or 'bekommen' describes the process of gaining control. 'Die Oberhand haben' or 'behalten' describes the state of already having control.
Zuerst führte der Gegner, aber dann bekam unser Team die Oberhand.
At first the opponent was ahead, but then our team gained the upper hand.
control / check
Kontrolle generally refers to the ability to control or direct a situation. Oberhand means gaining a dominant or superior position in a conflict or difficult situation. Kontrolle fits when there is no such opposition; Oberhand fits when someone gains the decisive advantage against resistance.
Nach wenigen Minuten gewinnt die Ärztin im Kampf gegen die heftige Blutung die Oberhand.
After a few minutes, the doctor gains the upper hand in the fight against the severe bleeding.
Nach wenigen Minuten hat die Ärztin die schwierige Lage unter Kontrolle.
After a few minutes, the doctor has the difficult situation under control.
