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

And for those of you who’ve spent many happy hours laughing at the Road Runner getting the better of his fanatical pursuer, you’ll be touched to discover that the two have a mutual respect and are even — gasp — friends. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

On Monday, first-round defensive tackle Peter Woods looked the part, splitting his two reps against starting right guard Trey Smith and getting the better of backup interior linemen Mike Caliendo and Hunter Nourzad. — Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Charlotte faced off with Lash Legend, and Lash got the better of Charlotte by slamming her on a ladder. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell got the better of him on a man coverage route, but Buechele underthrew the ball. — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for get the better of

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