be upper

[/bi ˈʌpər/]
verb phrase
estar acima; estar em posição superior; estar em vantagem
1. to be in a higher physical position or location
The bedroom is upper in the house.
O quarto fica na parte superior da casa.
2. to be in a position of advantage or superiority over someone
She has the upper hand in negotiations.
Ela tem vantagem nas negociações.
3. to be emotionally elevated or in good spirits (informal)
He seemed to be upper after receiving the good news.
Ele parecia estar de bom humor após receber a boa notícia.
The phrase 'be upper' is not commonly used as a standalone verb phrase in modern English. It typically appears in fixed expressions like 'have the upper hand' (ter vantagem), which is widely used in both American and Brazilian business and social contexts to describe someone with an advantage in a situation. In colloquial usage, Americans might say 'be on top' or 'be winnin'' instead.
NYC Slang
be on top; be winnin'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be abovebe higherbe on topbe superiorbe in advantage
Antonyms / Antônimos
be lowerbe beneathbe belowbe inferiorbe disadvantaged

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
estar acima; estar em vantagem
commonly used in formal and informal contexts
Portugal
estar acima; estar numa posição superior
similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese
United States
be upper/have the upper hand
primarily used in the phrase 'have the upper hand' to indicate advantage

Related Words

upper handupper classupper levelupwardsuperiority

Related Idioms & Phrases

have the upper hand
upper class society
keep one's upper lip stiff
upper echelon
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