upper hand
Loading your saved state.
to gain/take over
To gain control or dominance in a situation; to prevail over other forces or influences. The word is used almost exclusively in this fixed expression.
Als die Panik die Überhand gewann, rannten alle zum Ausgang.
When panic gained the upper hand, everyone ran to the exit.
The noun 'Überhand' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expressions 'die Überhand gewinnen' or 'die Überhand nehmen' (to gain/take over; to gain the upper hand). It describes something taking control.
Das Unkraut im Garten hat die Überhand genommen.
The weeds in the garden have taken over.
The word is made up of 'über' (over/above) and 'Hand' (hand). It conveys the image of having the 'upper hand' in a situation and therefore having control or dominance.
In der Diskussion gewannen seine Argumente schnell die Überhand.
In the discussion, his arguments quickly gained the upper hand.
The expression is often used with negative or uncontrollable forces as the subject. Typical examples are: die Angst, die Zweifel, das Chaos, or die Gefühle nehmen die Überhand (fear, doubts, chaos, or emotions take over).
Lass nicht zu, dass deine Zweifel die Überhand gewinnen.
Don't allow your doubts to gain the upper hand.
control / check
'Kontrolle' and 'Überhand' both have to do with dominance in a situation. 'Kontrolle' describes someone or something steering a situation or having it under control. 'Überhand' is used almost only in the fixed expressions 'die Überhand gewinnen' or 'die Überhand nehmen' (to gain the upper hand / take over). This means that a problem, a feeling, or a force becomes stronger and prevails. 'Kontrolle' can be used neutrally for people, things, or situations. 'Überhand' fits especially when something negative becomes too strong.
Wenn niemand aufräumt, nimmt das Chaos in der Küche schnell die Überhand.
If no one cleans up, the chaos in the kitchen quickly takes over.
Trotz der vielen Gäste behielt das Team die Kontrolle über die Veranstaltung.
Despite the many guests, the team kept control of the event.