expression, ichidan verb
signal the winner (sumo); raise the fan toward the winner
Literal sumo term: the referee raises his gunbai (war fan) toward the winning wrestler to signal the decision.
行司が軍配を上げると、勝ち名乗りが行われた。
When the referee raised his fan, the winner was announced.
expression, ichidan verb
declare someone the winner; give the victory to
Figurative extension: to judge someone as the winner in a competition, debate, or comparison. Often used when a clear advantage or superiority is recognized.
今回のプレゼン対決では、彼女の提案に軍配を上げる人が多かった。
In this presentation showdown, many people gave the win to her proposal.
どちらの案も良いが、コスト面でA案に軍配を上げたい。
Both ideas are good, but I'd give the edge to Plan A in terms of cost.