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

The lust for vengeance eventually gets the better of him, but Swenson leads us step by step to depravity through sorrow, injustice and humiliation.

From Los Angeles Times

As soon as he’s spoken, his thoughts get the better of him.

From Literature

It got the better of the hosts who trailed 31-7 at the break.

From Barron's

But Rybakina broke back two games later as the unforced errors began to seep in for Sabalenka, who allowed her emotions to get the better of her in last year's Grand Slam final losses.

From BBC

An engaging, occasionally volatile figure on court, Sabalenka let her emotions get the better of her in both the Australian Open and French Open showpieces last year.

From BBC

Related Words

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