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]

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Example Sentences

"For now, despite a slightly slow start, the signs are promising that it will go one better than Game of Thrones, and deliver a send-off that lives up to audience expectations," he said.

From BBC

Arsenal, who have finished second for the past three seasons, added Spain international Martin Zubimendi to their midfield for £60m this summer as they look to go one better and win the title.

From BBC

The Gunners lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games as they seek to go one better after finishing third for three consecutive seasons.

From Barron's

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

Related Words

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