In Italy, people love to debate—whether it’s about soccer, politics, or the best pasta recipe. In these moments of passionate discussion, the focus is often on who ends up with the more convincing arguments. If you manage to get your point across and come out on top, then you can proudly say that you were able to to get the upper hand. This idiom perfectly captures those small, sweet victories in everyday life.
to get the upper hand
Literally, the expression means „to have the better of.“ In terms of meaning, it is best translated as „to gain the upper hand,“ „to prevail,“ or „to emerge victorious.“.
What does "avere la meglio" mean?
In Italian culture, where discussions and disagreements are often conducted with great passion and drama, to get the upper hand a key concept. It’s not about brute force or underhanded tactics, but rather the art of persuasion, the better arguments, or sometimes simply greater persistence.
The expression elegantly describes the moment when one party emerges victorious in a contest—whether it’s a debate at the family dinner table, a negotiation at the market, or a sporting competition. It is the feeling of having triumphed in the end because one’s own position has proven to be the stronger, wiser, or simply more assertive.
Where does this idiom come from?
It is quite straightforward and less figurative than many others. It derives directly from Latin, where the adverb melius (better) could also be used as a noun, such as „the better“ or „the advantage.“.
Come out on top It has therefore always meant having the advantage on one's side and claiming the better share for oneself. An old expression, deeply rooted in the logic of the Romance languages, that has endured over the centuries.
After a long discussion, I finally got my way.
After a long discussion, I finally got my way.
Where do you most often see "avere la meglio"?
While to get the upper hand Although it often comes up in debates, you'll also frequently encounter the term in a sports context, especially in soccer.
When Juventus plays Inter Milan and wins, the newspapers report the following day: Juventus beat Inter. So it's a very versatile term for any kind of competition in which there is a clear winner.
In our daily column Phrase of the day We’ll serve you a little language espresso. It’s not just about vocabulary, but about meaning, origin, and the subtle nuances behind the most beautiful Italian expressions. See you soon!
