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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Supporters witnessed players gesturing to each other in annoyance at misplaced passes or mistimed runs, fans let rip with their own nervousness as their side defended a 1-0 lead, and, most graphically, head coach Vitor Pereira was sent from the touchline after his own anxiety got the better of him.
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Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
But the national security law passed on the heels of large demonstrations and the COVID-19 pandemic got the better of most booksellers.
—Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Fangio’s group got the better of Payton’s that day, a 27-19 Indianapolis victory.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
Think of it as a safety net for moments when curiosity gets the better of you.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
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Steve Madeley, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
But the national security law passed on the heels of large demonstrations and the COVID-19 pandemic got the better of most booksellers.
—Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Fangio’s group got the better of Payton’s that day, a 27-19 Indianapolis victory.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025
Think of it as a safety net for moments when curiosity gets the better of you.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 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 Oct. 2025.
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