get the better of

Idioms  

1. Also, get the best of;. Become superior to or master someone or something; win out. For example, John's common sense got the better of his pride, and he apologized, or Her older sister was always trying to get the best of her, or He was determined to have the better of his competitors. [c. 1600] Also see get the drop on.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

get the better of

The Belarusian has a history of letting her emotions get the better of her, most recently in her quarter-final defeat from a set up at the French Open.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

I thought Brighton would get the better of Newcastle last week, and they certainly had their chances.

From BBC ● May 7, 2026

Swiss racer Tanguy Nef and Belgian Armand Marchant similarly failed to get the better of Strasser, leaving the top four to race.

From Barron's ● Jan. 25, 2026

Even a superstar’s bruised disposition can get the better of them.

From Salon ● Dec. 6, 2022

My nerves often get the better of me, especially on Sundays; that’s when I really feel miserable.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• conquer
• crush
• extinguish
• humble
• overcome
• overpower
• quell
• repress
• restrain
• suppress
• tame
• temper