1. Expression：have the upper hand

Explanation：A position superior to someone; the advantage of someone. （优势，优越地位，占上风）

Example：Now that the housing market has slowed down, the buyers have the upper hand. With fewer buyers in the market, the sellers are being forced to cut their prices.

如今，房地产市场的成长速度开始放缓，买方开始占据优势。因为买房子的人比以前少了，所以卖房子的人不得不降价出售。

The corporation really has the upper hand here. The employees can't dispute the corporation's settlement because they can't afford to stay out of work. The corporation therefore can offer them a ridiculously small amount.

在这种情况下，占上风的一方是公司。雇员因为无法承担不去工作的经济负担，所以不会质疑公司的解决方案。公司只要给他们少得可笑的一笔小钱就可以了事了。

John is always trying to get the upper hand on someone. He never ends up having the upper hand, though.

约翰总是想占别人的上风，但他始终做不到。

2. Expression：gain the upper hand

Explanation：A position superior to someone. （占优势，占上风）

Example：The stern mother has gained the upper hand of the family.

这位严厉的母亲掌管了全家。

The two sides were so well-matched that neither could gain the upper hand.

双方势均力敌，谁也不能占上风。

We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is gaining the upper hand.

我们已经为你父亲做了我们所能做的一切，但恐怕癌症，我们制服不了。

I try to be cool and sensible but sometimes my feelings gain the upper hand .

我力图冷静和理智，但有时候爱感情用事。

3. Expression：take the inside track

Explanation：A position superior to someone. （占上风，处于优势地位）

Example：It would be a fine consummation to take the inside track and drive him like a herd of sheep.

要是能占了他的上风，把他像羊似的赶来赶去，那倒是件无比的妙事。

The two companies were neck and neck for years, but Mayers International seems to take the inside track in the markets lately.

这两家公司多年来一直势均力敌，但迈尔斯国际公司最近似乎在市场上占了上风。