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

Still, even if they are poor again here, I think they will get the better of managerless Burnley.

From BBC ● May 7, 2026

Rohl will need to get the better of O'Neill for the first time to secure a second victory at the home of their city rivals this season.

From BBC ● May 5, 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

“What finally happened?” asked her mother, whose curiosity began to get the better of her.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

Related Words

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