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
According to World Athletics data, the pair have faced each other 18 times in 100m and 200m finals, with Lyles getting the better of Bednarek in 14 of those.
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Coy Wire, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Fatu and Solo went back-and-forth, but Jacob got the better of the exchange to the delight of the crowd.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Zayn got the better of Kross at Night of Champions back in June, and Kross defeated Zayn a few weeks ago.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Severino’s frustrations continued Saturday, as Giants hitters got the better of him in taking down the A’s, 7-2.
—Sean Campbell
july 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for get the better of
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Coy Wire, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Fatu and Solo went back-and-forth, but Jacob got the better of the exchange to the delight of the crowd.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Zayn got the better of Kross at Night of Champions back in June, and Kross defeated Zayn a few weeks ago.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Severino’s frustrations continued Saturday, as Giants hitters got the better of him in taking down the A’s, 7-2.
—Sean Campbell
july 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 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 19 Aug. 2025.
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