Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

go one better

Idioms  
  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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He took bronze at Pyeongchang 2018 and silver in Beijing four years ago and was desperate to go one better at the Milan-Cortina Games.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

Sadowski-Synnott, who won big air bronze in Pyeongchang in 2018 and silver in Beijing, was looking to go one better at the Milan-Cortina Games.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

A complete master of his craft, he will be desperate to go one better after South Africa's loss in the final last time around.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Four years ago Team Mouat - featuring Stranraer's McMillan Jr, Hardie and Lammie - just missed out on the gold medal in Beijing, but they are determined to go one better this time round.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Even on a week-day it's like a Church Parade, and on Sundays we go one better still.

From Mushroom Town by Onions, Oliver

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "go one better" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com