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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.

See Examples For:

"You just have to go one better, don't you? We've done all three, we're just topping up each time," he said.

From BBC May 13, 2026

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

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

From Barron's Feb. 11, 2026

But Arteta has provided the calm presence for his side and instilled confidence into his team as they look to go one better than the last three seasons, when they have finished in second place.

From BBC Jan. 31, 2026

We can't let things go by default, and we can go one better than he, Barney.

From Samba A Story of the Rubber Slaves of the Congo by Herbert Strang

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