upper

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective [onlybeforenoun] 1 situated above sth else, especially sth of the same type or the other of a pair: the upper jaw / lip * the upper deck / floor / storey 2 at or near the top of sth: the upper arm / body * the upper slopes of the mountain * a member of the upper middle class * salaries at the upper end of the pay scale * There is an upper limit of ｣20000 spent on any one project. 3 (of a place) situated away from the coast, on high ground or towards the north of an area: the upper reaches of the Thames OPPLOWER IDIOMS gain, get, have, etc. the upper hand to get an advantage over sb so that you are in control of a particular situation moreatSTIFFadj. noun [usuallypl.] 1 the top part of a shoe that is attached to the sole: shoes with leather uppers 2 (informal) a drug that makes you feel excited and full of energy compareDOWNER IDIOMS on your uppers (BrE, informal) having very little money