get the better of

phrase

: 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 figuratively

She 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

In the 1960s, England got the better of its Argentine opponent in consecutive World Cup tournaments, with a 1-0 victory in 1966 helping the English to eventually lift the trophy for the only time in their history. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

At 5/6, England are favourites to get the better of Norway and make the semi-finals of the World Cup for only the fourth time in their history. — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 10 July 2026

When the friends begin to hear ominous sounds and see mysterious lights, their curiosity gets the better of them, leading to a surreal series of events visible only by the light of Robbie’s camera. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

With no real spin on offer and the field up, Will Jacks got the better of the youngster. — ABC News, 4 July 2026

Rhymes for get the better of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove