outsmart

[out-smahrt]

verb (used with object)

1. to get the better of (someone); outwit.

outsmart

/ ˌaʊtˈsmɑːt /

verb

1. informal,  (tr) to get the better of; outwit

Word History and Origins

Origin of outsmart¹

1925–30; out- + smart (adj.)

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. outsmart oneself, to defeat oneself unintentionally by overly elaborate intrigue, scheming, or the like.

   This time he may have outsmarted himself.

Example Sentences

“I feel like we’re in one of those Sunday night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives outsmarting the police at every turn.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Sudan’s case, she has outsmarted the risk of succumbing to tradition, and the freedom has raised and mellowed all stakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Trump and his forces consistently outmaneuvered and outsmarted the Democrats.

From Salon

Exeter weren't just outsmarted by Gloucester's tiki-taka offloading game - something that will happen to better teams than them on a sunny day and the hosts' artificial pitch - they were also ground to dust up front.

From BBC

Before this era, most investors believed that skilled professionals who were well-informed could outsmart the market by uncovering hidden opportunities.

From Salon

Related Words

• baffle 
• bamboozle 
• circumvent 
• deceive 
• outdo 
• outfox 
• outmaneuver