When discussing situations in which one person or group has gained an advantage over another, it is common to use the phrase "gotten upper hand." The spelling of this phrase is unique in that it uses the past participle form of the irregular verb "get." In IPA phonetic transcription, this phrase would be transcribed as /ˈɡɑtn ˈʌpər hænd/, with the stress falling on the first syllable of each word. Despite its unusual spelling, "gotten upper hand" is widely recognized and used in conversation and informal writing.
The phrase "gotten upper hand" is an idiom used to describe a situation where one party or individual has gained an advantage over another in a particular circumstance, competition, or conflict. It implies that the person or entity in question has achieved a dominant or controlling position and is now in a favorable position compared to their adversary.
When someone or something has "gotten the upper hand," they have successfully taken control or gained superiority, whether it be in a physical confrontation, a business rivalry, or even within personal relationships. It suggests that the person with the upper hand has managed to outmaneuver, outwit, or overpower their opponent, putting them at a disadvantage.
This phrase can be used to highlight situations where individuals or groups have successfully asserted their authority, influence, or power in order to come out on top or to gain an advantage over others. It can also be used metaphorically to describe scenarios where someone has gained emotional or psychological control, possibly manipulating others to their advantage.
Overall, "gotten upper hand" implies a shift in power dynamics, emphasizing the dominance or control of one party over another, indicating that the affected individual or group has lost their advantage or is now subservient to the entity that has gained the upper hand.