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get the better of

idiom

Definition of get the better of

: 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.

Word by Word Definitions

get play

  1. : to gain possession of

  2. : to receive as a return : earn

  3. : to obtain by concession or entreaty

  1. : something begotten:

  2. : offspring

  3. : the entire progeny of a male animal

  1. : a document of release from obligation in Jewish law

  2. : a religious divorce by Jewish law

See the full definition of get
better play

  1. : comparative of good

  2. : greater than half

  3. : improved in health or mental attitude

  1. : to make better (see 1better): such as

  2. : to make more tolerable or acceptable

  3. : to make more complete or perfect

  1. : comparative of well

  2. : in a more excellent manner

  3. : to greater advantage : preferably

  1. : something better (see 1better)

  2. : a superior especially in merit or rank

  3. : advantage, victory

  1. : had better (see 3better 1b)

See the full definition of better

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