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Synonyms

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.

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.

Neil Lennon reckons John McGlynn should be "in the conversation" to become the next Celtic manager as the Dunfermline Athletic boss aims to get the better of his Falkirk counterpart in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

She said the hardest part about doing I'm A Celebrity is making sure she doesn't let her shyness get the better of her.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

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

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2022

Don’t let you pride get the better of you, Tasha.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

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.