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

Last year, he was comfortably the better driver of the two; only rarely did Antonelli get the better of him.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

"It's normal when you want something so much, sometimes it can get the better of you," said Keown.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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

“Well,” I returned, glad for once to get the better of him in cross-examination, “I do not know, for I have not made up my mind.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Related Words

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