The Saga of the Queen Bee
Although the virtuosity of the workers is remarkable, the queen bee is really
the main story. Workers choose a few larvae to be queens, feeding them royal
jelly, a substance rich in proteins and vitamins. While a queen is changing 
from a larva to a pupa, a team of workers build a special cell for her. Soon 
the queen hatches, eats prepared honey, grows strong. After she kills any
rivals who have temerity to challenge her, an amorous note is injected. She
flies from the hive and mates with one or more drones on her first flight.
Then the process of egg laying begins. When her progeny saturated the hive, 
scouts are dispatched to find a new location, and bees swarm after their leader
to begin the amazing cycle again.

to have the upper hand--I had him at my mercy but now he has
the upper hand.
(to gain control)