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
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
The former may be better suited defensively, especially with Fried pitching, but the Yankees need offense to get the better of Crochet.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The Argentine will be looking to get the better of the Dutchman and secure what would be Atleti’s first ever win inside 90 minutes at Anfield.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
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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
The former may be better suited defensively, especially with Fried pitching, but the Yankees need offense to get the better of Crochet.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
The Argentine will be looking to get the better of the Dutchman and secure what would be Atleti’s first ever win inside 90 minutes at Anfield.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 17 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 1 Oct. 2025.
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