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

After Monken's announcement, Watson took responsibility for his comments by saying his emotions got the better of him. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

First-round defensive tackle Peter Woods impressed in the first padded practice, splitting reps against Trey Smith and getting the better of backup interior linemen, Sweeney wrote from Day 5. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

The Colts got the better of the New England corners in Tuesday’s joint practice, but the Patriots responded well on Thursday. — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

And for those of you who’ve spent many happy hours laughing at the Road Runner getting the better of his fanatical pursuer, you’ll be touched to discover that the two have a mutual respect and are even — gasp — friends. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for get the better of

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