whip hand

noun

1. the hand that holds the whip, in driving.
2. an advantageous or controlling position:

   She had the whip hand throughout the debate.

whip hand

noun

1. (in driving horses) the hand holding the whip
2. advantage or dominating position

Word History and Origins

Origin of whip hand¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Rooted in downtown Pittsburgh, he resisted the era of deregulated finance that gave Wall Street the whip hand over the economy.

From The Daily Beast

As commander-in-chief, Bonaparte, for the time being, held the whip hand and could show his dislike by severe reprimands.

From Project Gutenberg

And now, sir, as fate has given me the whip hand of you, have you any reason to urge why I should stay in this house any longer?

From Project Gutenberg

Uncle Caleb has sized Zack up to a dot, and he's trying to get the whip-hand over him by sheer kindness.

From Project Gutenberg

It was very rarely indeed, that on her own ground, so to speak, the vicar ventured to take the whip-hand of her like this.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew that the situation was ridiculous, but he saw no way of getting the whip-hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dominance
• excellence
• perfection
• preeminence
• prestige
• supremacy
• upper hand