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
Over the past 15 years, the game has traditionally been a meeting of the top two, with Bayern routinely getting the better of the side from North-Rhein Westphalia.
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Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs got the better of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
—Gabe Zaldivar, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024
As the moon and Mars clash, don’t let impatience get the better of you!
—USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
Derek has been romantically involved with a law enforcement officer for several years and has full respect for the profession, however, there are some involved with big egos who let their stars and stripes get the better of them.
—The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024
Try not to let your feelings get the better of you.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2024
Despite Clemson star big man PJ Hall getting the better of preseason Associated Press All-American Kyle Filipowski, the Blue Devils (16-4, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) did just enough to survive what turned into a chaotic and — for the Tigers — a frustrating finish.
—Aaron Beard, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024
But the play is overwritten, with points of argument often getting the better of dramatic finesse.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
This is a foe with whom ASU is all too familiar with both squaring off in Pac-12 play and the Utes getting the better of the battles as of late.
—Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 30 Jan. 2024
Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs got the better of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
—Gabe Zaldivar, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024
As the moon and Mars clash, don’t let impatience get the better of you!
—USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
Derek has been romantically involved with a law enforcement officer for several years and has full respect for the profession, however, there are some involved with big egos who let their stars and stripes get the better of them.
—The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024
Try not to let your feelings get the better of you.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2024
Despite Clemson star big man PJ Hall getting the better of preseason Associated Press All-American Kyle Filipowski, the Blue Devils (16-4, 6-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) did just enough to survive what turned into a chaotic and — for the Tigers — a frustrating finish.
—Aaron Beard, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024
But the play is overwritten, with points of argument often getting the better of dramatic finesse.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023
This is a foe with whom ASU is all too familiar with both squaring off in Pac-12 play and the Utes getting the better of the battles as of late.
—Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 30 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'get the better of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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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 Apr. 2024.
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