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
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These two teams have split the season series at one game apiece with Michigan getting the better of Purdue in the last meeting in a two-point 75-73 victory for the Wolverines.
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Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
However, his excitement got the better of him, and the preschool staff attempted to curb his enthusiasm by spritzing him with water—a common but ineffective training method.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
News round-up Thiago Motta did great work at Bologna but the head coach’s job at Juventus got the better of him, and quickly.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Yes, but: Paolo and the Magic got the better of the Cavs on Sunday, stopping Cleveland's latest winning streak at 16.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
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Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
However, his excitement got the better of him, and the preschool staff attempted to curb his enthusiasm by spritzing him with water—a common but ineffective training method.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
News round-up Thiago Motta did great work at Bologna but the head coach’s job at Juventus got the better of him, and quickly.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Yes, but: Paolo and the Magic got the better of the Cavs on Sunday, stopping Cleveland's latest winning streak at 16.
—Sam Allard, Axios, 19 Mar. 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 1 May. 2025.
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