had better

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

had better

I believe we are at its hinge point, and we had better understand the moment we’re in.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Mahmood is said to have told police chiefs to make better use of intelligence to make sure they had better plans in place ahead of this weekend.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

“We wish we had better news to share.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026

Only two people had better than average hearing at certain low frequencies.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 19, 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