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Synonyms

go one better

Idioms  

  1. Outdo or surpass someone, as in He went one better than his teacher and came up with five more famous scientists. This expression originated in gambling games, where it meant “to offer a higher stake than one's opponent.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He took bronze at Pyeongchang 2018 and silver in Beijing four years ago and is hoping to go one better at the Milan-Cortina Games.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

But Arteta has provided the calm presence for his side and instilled confidence into his team as they look to go one better than the last three seasons, when they have finished in second place.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

"I am full of confidence and hopefully I can go one better this tournament. I have had a month off tournaments but still been putting the work in."

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Arsenal, who have finished second for the past three seasons, added Spain international Martin Zubimendi to their midfield for £60m this summer as they look to go one better and win the title.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Well, I allowed I'd go one better, and see the whole show in motion.

From True Tilda by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.