get the better of
idiom
: to defeat or trick (someone) by being clever
It would be hard to get the better of someone as experienced as she is.
—often used figurativelyShe knew she shouldn't open the package, but her curiosity finally got the better of her and she opened it.
Examples of get the better of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So, why not take your time and get the better of a desperate Trump White House?
—
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
The second time, Rojas again got the better of St. Thomas, pitching a complete game in a 5-2 win.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
At last my curiosity got the better of me, and Exit 53 off Interstate 40 delivered me to the door of a traditional Indian truck stop restaurant called Preet Dhaba.
—Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Inspired by the likes of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, La Roja managed to get the better of the goalfest, beating Les Bleus 5-4 in an all-time classic.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for get the better of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
The second time, Rojas again got the better of St. Thomas, pitching a complete game in a 5-2 win.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
At last my curiosity got the better of me, and Exit 53 off Interstate 40 delivered me to the door of a traditional Indian truck stop restaurant called Preet Dhaba.
—Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Inspired by the likes of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, La Roja managed to get the better of the goalfest, beating Les Bleus 5-4 in an all-time classic.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for get the better of
Cite this Entry
“Get the better of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20better%20of. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share