upper

up·per

U0133200 (ŭp′ər)adj.1. Higher in place, position, or rank: the upper bunk; the upper half of the class.2. a. Situated on higher ground: upper regions.b. Lying farther inland: the upper Nile.c. Northern: the upper Midwest.3. Upper Geology & Archaeology Of, relating to, or being a later division of the period named.4. Denoting the smaller and usually less broadly representative house of a bicameral legislature.n.1. The part of a shoe or boot above the sole.2. Informal An upper berth.3. uppers Informal The upper teeth or a set of upper dentures.4. Slang a. A drug, especially an amphetamine, used as a stimulant.b. An exhilarating or euphoric experience.Idiom: on (one's) uppers Informal Impoverished; destitute.

upper

(ˈʌpə) adj1. higher or highest in relation to physical position, wealth, rank, status, etc2. (Physical Geography) (capital when part of a name) lying farther upstream, inland, or farther north: the upper valley of the Loire. 3. (Geological Science) (capital when part of a name) geology archaeol denoting the late part or division of a period, system, formation, etc: Upper Palaeolithic. 4. (Archaeology) (capital when part of a name) geology archaeol denoting the late part or division of a period, system, formation, etc: Upper Palaeolithic. 5. (Mathematics) maths (of a limit or bound) greater than or equal to one or more numbers or variablesn6. the higher of two objects, people, etc7. (Clothing & Fashion) the part of a shoe above the sole, covering the upper surface of the foot8. on one's uppers extremely poor; destitute9. (Dentistry) informal any tooth of the upper jaw10. (Recreational Drugs) slang Also called (esp US): up any of various drugs having a stimulant or euphoric effect. Compare downer

up•per¹

(ˈʌp ər)

adj. 1. higher, as in place, position, pitch, or in a scale: the upper stories of a house. 2. superior, as in rank, dignity, or station. 3. (of places) at a higher level, more northerly, or farther from the sea: upper New York State. 4. (often cap.) denoting a later division of a geologic period, system, or the like: the Upper Devonian. n. 5. the part of a shoe or boot above the sole, comprising the quarter, vamp, counter, and lining. 6. an upper berth. 7. Usu., uppers. a. an upper dental plate. b. an upper tooth. Idioms: on one's uppers, Informal. poor; without means. [1300–50; Middle English]

up•per²

(ˈʌp ər)

n. Slang. a stimulant drug, esp. an amphetamine.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	upper - the higher of two berthsupper berthbuilt in bed, bunk, berth - a bed on a ship or train; usually in tiers
	2.	upper - piece of leather or synthetic material that forms the part of a shoe or boot above the sole that encases the foot; "Uppers come in many styles"boot - footwear that covers the whole foot and lower legpiece of leather - a separate part consisting of leatherquarter - piece of leather that comprises the part of a shoe or boot covering the heel and joining the vampshoe - footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier materialtoe box - the forward tip of the upper of a shoe or boot that provides space and protection for the toes; "the toe box may be rounded or pointed"vamp - piece of leather forming the front part of the upper of a shoe
	3.	upper - a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depressionamphetamine, pep pill, speedamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulphate - a sulfate derivative of amphetamine that is used as a stimulant for the central nervous systembennie, Benzedrine - a form of amphetamineDexedrine, dextroamphetamine sulphate - an isomer of amphetamine (trade name Dexedrine) used as a central nervous system stimulantdrug of abuse, street drug - a drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind-altering effects); drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addictiondeoxyephedrine, meth, methamphetamine, methamphetamine hydrochloride, Methedrine, shabu, chicken feed, crank, chalk, trash, glass, ice - an amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressantexcitant, stimulant drug, stimulant - a drug that temporarily quickens some vital process
Adj.	1.	upper - the topmost one of twotop - situated at the top or highest position; "the top shelf"
	2.	upper - higher in place or position; "the upper bunk"; "in the upper center of the picture"; "the upper stories"high - (literal meaning) being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension (sometimes used in combinations like `knee-high'); "a high mountain"; "high ceilings"; "high buildings"; "a high forehead"; "a high incline"; "a foot high"
	3.	upper - superior in rank or accomplishment; "the upper half of the class"superior - of or characteristic of high rank or importance; "a superior ruler"

upper

adjective1. topmost, top There is a smart restaurant on the upper floor.
topmost lower, bottom2. higher, high the muscles of the upper back and chest
higher low, lower3. superior, senior, higher-level, greater, top, important, chief, most important, elevated, eminent, higher-ranking the upper echelons of the Army
superior low, lower, junior, inferior

upper

adjectiveBeing at a height or level above another:higher, superior.

Translations

上面的较高的鞋帮

upper

(ˈapə) adjective higher in position, rank etc. the upper floors of the building; He has a scar on his upper lip. （地位、权力、等级）较高的 noun (usually in plural) the part of a shoe above the sole. There's a crack in the upper.鞋帮ˈuppermost adjective highest. in the uppermost room of the castle.最高的 adverb in the highest place or position. Thoughts of him were upper-most in her mind.地位最高upper class (of) the highest rank of society; (of) the aristocracy. The upper classes can no longer afford to have many servants; He speaks with an upper-class accent. 上流社会（的） get/have the upper hand (of/over someone) to have or win an advantage over. Our team managed to get the upper hand in the end.占上风

upper

→ 上面的zhCN

upper

get the upper hand

To come to be in a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is getting the upper hand. The home team got the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury.See also: get, hand, upper

gain the upper hand

To come to be in a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is gaining the upper hand. The home team gained the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury.See also: gain, hand, upper

down on (one's) uppers

Having no money; broke. The phrase was originally used to describe people who were so poor that they had worn their shoes down to the uppers (the part of the shoe above the sole). I am down on my uppers this week, so can we go out for drinks next week, after I get paid?See also: down, on, upper

be (down) on (one's) uppers

1. To have no money; to be broke. The phrase was originally used to describe people who were so poor that they had worn their shoes down to the uppers (the part of the shoe above the sole). This usage includes a pronoun between "on" and "uppers," and can include "down" between "be" and "on." Primarily heard in UK. I am down on my uppers this week, so can we go out for dinner next week, after I get paid?2. slang To be on stimulant drugs. In this usage, the set phrase is "be on uppers." My son has been acting really weird and says he's been awake for days, so I'm worried that he's on uppers.See also: on, upper

a stiff upper lip

The ability to remain stoic during difficult situations. Despite all of the hardships he faced, John always kept a stiff upper lip and didn't let anything bother him. The players were devastated after losing the championship, but their coach encouraged them to keep a stiff upper lip and focus on doing better next year.See also: lip, stiff, upper

have the upper hand

To have a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). The home team had the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury. We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer has the upper hand now.See also: hand, have, upper

the upper crust

The most affluent, powerful, or influential class in a society; the social elites or aristocrats. The awards ceremony was a chance for me to mingle with the upper crust. For years, tax laws have been specifically designed to favor the upper crust before the working or lower class.See also: crust, upper

on (one's) uppers

Having no money; broke. The phrase was originally used to describe people who were so poor that they had worn their shoes down to the uppers (the part of the shoe above the sole). I'm down on my uppers this week, so can we go out for drinks next week, after I get paid? My mother was always slipping money into the hands of our friends she thought were on their uppers.See also: on, upper

the upper hand

A position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). Typically used after the verbs "have," "gain," or "get." The home team got the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury. We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is gaining the upper hand. The two companies were neck and neck for years, but Mayers International seems to have the upper hand in the markets lately.See also: hand, upper

pepper-upper

1. A stimulant of some kind; that which quickly imparts energy and alertness. I find that yerba mate tea is a much better pepper-upper than coffee—it gives you the same boost, without making you feel jittery or on-edge.2. Something that increases enthusiasm, optimism, or eagerness. I hate these public speakers they bring in—they're meant to be pepper-uppers, but they just come across as totally phony to me.

top story

1. Literally, a higher or the highest level of a building. The executives all have their offices in the top stories of the sky scraper. We converted the top story into a standalone apartment that we rent out.2. The brain; one's ability to think, understand, and rationalize. He's attractive, all right, but I don't think there's much going on in the top story. I never felt like I had a strong enough of an top story to do a master's degree.See also: story, top

upper story

1. Literally, a higher or the highest level of a building. The executives all have their offices in the upper stories of the skyscraper. We converted the upper story into a standalone apartment that we rent out.2. The brain; one's ability to think, understand, and rationalize. He's attractive, all right, but I don't think there's much going on in the upper story. I never felt like I had a strong enough of an upper story to do a master's degree.See also: story, upper

keep a stiff upper lip

To remain stoic during difficult situations. Despite all of the hardships he faced, John always kept a stiff upper lip and didn't let anything bother him. The players were devastated after losing the championship, but their coach encouraged them to keep a stiff upper lip and focus on doing better next year.See also: keep, lip, stiff, upper

Keep a stiff upper lip.

Prov. Act as though you are not upset.; Do not let unpleasant things upset you. (English people are stereotypically supposed to be very good at keeping a stiff upper lip.) Even though he was only three years old, Jonathan kept a stiff upper lip the whole time he was in the hospital recovering from his surgery. Jill: Sometimes this job frustrates me so much I could just break down in tears. Jane: Keep a stiff upper lip. Things are bound to improve.See also: keep, lip, stiff, upper

top story

and upper storySl. the brain; one's mind and intellect. A little weak in the upper story, but other than that, a great guy. He has nothing for a top story.See also: story, top

upper crust

Fig. the higher levels of society; the upper class. (From the top, as opposed to the bottom, crust of a pie.) Jane speaks like that because she pretends to be from the upper crust, but her father was a miner. James is from the upper crust, but he is penniless.See also: crust, upper

*upper hand (on someone)

Fig. a position superior to someone; the advantage of someone. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) John is always trying to get the upper hand on someone. He never ends up having the upper hand, though.See also: hand, upper

keep a stiff upper lip

Show courage in the face of pain or adversity. For example, I know you're upset about losing the game, but keep a stiff upper lip. This expression presumably alludes to the trembling lips that precede bursting into tears. [Early 1800s] See also: keep, lip, stiff, upper

on one's uppers

Poor, in reduced circumstances, as in as in The Smiths try to hide the fact that they're on their uppers. First recorded in 1886, this metaphoric term alludes to having worn out the soles of one's shoes so badly that only the top portions remain. See also: on, upper

upper crust

The highest social class, as in She wanted badly to be one of the upper crust but it wasn't going to happen. This term alludes to the choicest part of a pie or loaf of bread. [First half of 1800s] See also: crust, upper

upper hand

Also, whip hand. A dominating or controlling position, as in Once you let Jeff get the upper hand there'll be no stopping him, or When it comes to checkers, my son-in-law generally has the whip hand. The first term alludes to an ancient game in which each player in turn grasps a stick with one hand, beginning from the bottom, and the last who can put his hand at the top wins. Its figurative use dates from the late 1400s. The variant alludes to the driver who holds the whip in a horse-drawn vehicle; it was being used figuratively by the late 1600s. See also: hand, upper

upper story

The head or brain, as in He's not all there in the upper story. This expression transfers the literal sense of a higher floor in a multistory building to the top portion of the human body. Richard Bentley used it in A Dissertation on the Epistles of Phalaris (1699), where he compares a man with "brains ... in his head" to a man who has "furniture in his upper story." See also: story, upper

the upper crust

The upper crust are the people who belong to the highest social class. The Cowes Regatta is a gathering of the wealthy and the upper crust who race their huge yachts and attend grand parties.See also: crust, upper

the upper hand

COMMON1. If someone has the upper hand, they have the most power and control in a situation. Most people who knew the couple agreed that Franzen had the upper hand in the relationship. Diplomats believe it is still far from clear which side is gaining the upper hand in the economic debate.2. If a feeling or emotion gets the upper hand, you are not able to hide it or control it. Dan was breathing in short, sharp bursts as the tension and his exasperation gained the upper hand.See also: hand, upper

a stiff upper lip

COMMON If someone has a stiff upper lip, they hide their emotions and do not let other people see if they are upset. I had always believed in keeping a stiff upper lip, crying in private, and putting on my best face for family and friends. His pathetic attempt to maintain a stiff upper lip failed. Note: You can also refer to the attitude or behaviour of people who do not like to show their emotions as the stiff upper lip. Another problem is the British stiff upper lip which prevents many patients from asking for painkillers for fear of appearing weak. Note: Not showing emotions is thought to be a national characteristic of the English. See also: lip, stiff, upper

on your uppers

down on your uppers

BRITISH, INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONEDIf a person or a company is on their uppers or down on their uppers, they have very little money. The company is on its uppers and shareholders can forget about receiving dividends for a couple of years. Simon pays cash for his ceramics because he finds so many potters are down on their uppers. Note: The upper of a shoe is the top part of it, which is attached to the sole and heel. If you are on your uppers, you have worn through the sole and heel. See also: on, upper

a stiff upper lip

a quality of uncomplaining stoicism. This is a characteristic particularly associated with the British but the phrase is apparently North American in origin, dating back to the mid 19th century. It is used, for example, in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852 . 1998 Spectator The Princess…as her final gift to the British people, had unstarched their stiff upper lips. See also: lip, stiff, upper

have (or gain) the upper hand

have (or gain) advantage or control over someone or something.See also: hand, have, upper

on your uppers

extremely short of money. informal In this expression, worn-out shoes are taken as an indication of someone's poverty; the upper is the part of a shoe above the sole, which is all that is left after the sole has been worn away.See also: on, upper

the upper crust

the aristocracy and upper classes. informal In Anne Elizabeth Baker 's Glossary of Northamptonshire Words and Phrases ( 1854 ) ‘Mrs Upper Crust’ is explained as the nickname for ‘any female who assumes unauthorized superiority’. The term was also current in informal American speech in the mid 19th century. The French word gratin has a similar pair of literal and metaphorical senses, being literally ‘a crust of crumbs and cheese on top of a cooked dish’ and metaphorically ‘the highest class of society’.See also: crust, upper

(keep) a stiff upper ˈlip

keep calm and hide your feelings when you are in pain or in a difficult situation: The English gentleman is famous for his stiff upper lip.See also: lip, stiff, upper

get, have, gain, etc. the ˌupper ˈhand (over somebody)

get, etc. power or control over somebody, especially in a fight, competition, etc: Our team gained the upper hand in the second half of the match. ♢ The police claim they have the upper hand in their fight against the drug dealers.See also: hand, upper

the ˌupper ˈcrust

(informal) people who are in the highest social classIn the past, the top or upper crust of a loaf of bread was the best part, which the more important members of the household ate.See also: crust, upper

on your ˈuppers

(British English, informal) having very little money: Joe paid for lunch, which was great because we were both on our uppers, as usual. OPPOSITE: (be) rolling in it/money Uppers refers to the top part of a boot or shoe. If you are walking on your uppers, your shoes are old and worn down.See also: on, upper

pepper-upper

n. an amphetamine tablet or capsule; a pep pill. I need me a little pepper-upper. Can I have a prescription?

top story

and upper story n. the brain. I don’t think her top story is occupied. A little weak in the upper story, but other than that, a great guy. See also: story, top

upper story

verbSee top storySee also: story, upper

keep a stiff upper lip

To be courageous or stoic in the face of adversity.See also: keep, lip, stiff, upper

on (one's) uppers

Informal Impoverished; destitute.See also: on, upper

keep a stiff upper lip, to

Do not give way to adversity; appear to be resolute and stoical without showing your true feelings. This term comes from America in the early 1800s and presumably refers to a trembling lip, which betrays that one is about to burst into tears. The expression actually does not make much sense, since it is usually the lower lip that trembles before weeping, but certainly any tremor of the upper lip would be particularly obvious in a man wearing a mustache, in the ubiquitous fashion of the 1830s. “What’s the use of boohooin’? . . . keep a stiff upper lip,” appeared in John Neal’s The Down-Easters (1833), and the expression soon crossed the Atlantic.See also: keep, stiff, upper

upper crust, the

An older name for high society. This term appears to have been coined by Thomas Haliburton in his Sam Slick tales. “It was none of your skim-milk parties, but superfine uppercrust,” he wrote (The Clockmaker, 1835). By 1850 others were using the term, which alluded to the choicest part of a pie or loaf of bread. “Those families, you know, are our upper crust, not upper ten thousand” wrote James Fenimore Cooper (Ways of the Hour, 1850). The term is heard less often nowadays but is not quite obsolete.See also: upper

upper hand, to have the

To be in a dominating or controlling position. This term has been around since the fifteenth century. It comes from an ancient gambling game in which each player in turn puts one hand on a stick, beginning at the bottom, and the last one able to put his hand at the top wins. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer has it, “Up, Lord, and let not man have the upper hand” (from Miles Coverdale’s translation of Psalm 9:19).See also: have, upper

down on his uppers

Needy; fallen on hard times. Men's shoes have two parts: the bottoms (soles and heels) and the uppers, which cover the foot. Someone whose financial condition was so bad that he couldn't afford to have the soles and heels replaced after being worn away was literally down on (in the sense of “to”) his uppers. A similar phrase is “down at the heels,” and moving higher, “out at the elbows.”See also: down, on, upper

upper crust

The top level of society. Although you might think that “crust” refers to bread and that the upper part was reserved for the aristocracy, word detectives would say you're wrong: no authoritative written connection between bread and the well-bred can be found. “Crust” refers to the earth's crust, or top layer. The upper crust of a society is its top layer.See also: crust, upper

upper

up·per

upper

up•per1

up•per2

upper

upper

upper

upper

upper

get the upper hand

gain the upper hand

down on (one's) uppers

be (down) on (one's) uppers

a stiff upper lip

have the upper hand

the upper crust

on (one's) uppers

the upper hand

pepper-upper

top story

upper story

keep a stiff upper lip

Keep a stiff upper lip.

top story

upper crust

*upper hand (on someone)

keep a stiff upper lip

on one's uppers

upper crust

upper hand

upper story

the upper crust

the upper hand

a stiff upper lip

on your uppers

down on your uppers

a stiff upper lip

have (or gain) the upper hand

on your uppers

the upper crust

(keep) a stiff upper ˈlip

get, have, gain, etc. the ˌupper ˈhand (over somebody)

the ˌupper ˈcrust

on your ˈuppers

pepper-upper

top story

upper story

keep a stiff upper lip

on (one's) uppers

keep a stiff upper lip, to

upper crust, the

upper hand, to have the

down on his uppers

upper crust

upper

upper

upper

upper

upper

upper

upper

Patient discussion about upper

upper

Synonyms for upper

adj topmost

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Antonyms

adj higher

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Antonyms

adj superior

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Antonyms

Synonyms for upper

adj being at a height or level above another

Synonyms

Synonyms for upper

noun the higher of two berths

Synonyms

up•per¹

up•per²