go one better

1. Outdo or surpass someone, as in He went one better than his teacher and came up with five more famous scientists. This expression originated in gambling games, where it meant “to offer a higher stake than one's opponent.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Both started the day a few hours before the leading groups but finished their rounds as clubhouse leader, McIlroy firing a seven-under 65 - including an eagle on the 18th - to reach 12 under par and then Rahm shooting a six-under 66 to go one better.

From BBC

A veteran of the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand three years ago, she has spoken with steely calm about the chance to go one better on home soil, while her name consistently registers the most decibels when the teams are announced to the crowd at this tournament.

From BBC

Plus, a handful of emerging start-ups such as Boston Metal say they can go one better and use electricity for the iron-making process, a crucial step in making brand new, or virgin, steel.

From BBC

Millwall have proven time and again they can punch above their weight and compete with the clubs operating with significantly higher budgets; Lions fans will hope they can finally go one better this year and land a place in the top six.

From BBC

Ninth seed De Minaur, who won the Washington Open a week ago, is looking to go one better than his runners-up spot in 2023.

From BBC

Related Words

• beat 
• dominate 
• eclipse 
• excel 
• outdistance 
• outdo 
• outmatch 
• outpace 
• outperform 
• outplay 
• outrun 
• outshine