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had better

Idioms

Also, had best. Ought to, should. For example, You had better finish this one before starting another, or We had best be going. [Mid-1400s] Also see you'd better believe it.

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.

Eisenhower said, ‘We had better meteorologists than the Germans.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

No club in English soccer had better perfected the art of teasing its fans with the promise of success, only to fall apart when it mattered most.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

And Wall Street had better not get me started on “exponential”—my TI trigger finger is itchy.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Volunteers who tried it had better sleep, lower blood pressure and healthier blood sugar levels overall.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“No,” he said reluctantly, “I think we had better turn north to the Forest of Idris. It’s the longest way around, but at least it would give us some cover.”

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023