get the weather gage of (someone or something)

get the weather gage of (someone or something)

To have an advantage over someone else. This phrase refers to the strategic advantage of a ship positioned on its enemy's windward (or weather gage) side. We've gotten the weather gage of them, lads! Load the cannons and fire! We need to get the weather gage of the enemy, but these rough seas certainly present a challenge. Fire on them, men! Do not allow them to get the weather gage of us!

See also: get, of, weather

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.