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
The Buckeyes got the better of the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, winning 27-9.
—
Nick Lentz, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
And because Harbor and Cove tend to let their curiosity get the better of them, the farm enforces a strict no-jewelry rule for everyone participating in otter yoga.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
But the Colts got the better of the Chiefs in the return game.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025
There were moments when the tricky Fulham winger Kevin got the better of him, but his forays forward and technical quality added a different dimension.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for get the better of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nick Lentz, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025
And because Harbor and Cove tend to let their curiosity get the better of them, the farm enforces a strict no-jewelry rule for everyone participating in otter yoga.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
But the Colts got the better of the Chiefs in the return game.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025
There were moments when the tricky Fulham winger Kevin got the better of him, but his forays forward and technical quality added a different dimension.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Nov. 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 10 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share