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

Daniil Medvedev is back in the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals after getting the better of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the latest chapter of their combustible longtime rivalry. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Emotions appeared to get the better of Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson on Monday night after the Buffalo Bills won their matchup 37-34 in overtime. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Wilson reveled in the matchup, though, even when Brooks was getting the better of him. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

If the nightlife hasn’t got the better of you, rise early to claim the four-poster wooden daybed at ground level and order sushi from Seltz Champagne Bar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for get the better of

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