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
This tidal wave of emotions is getting the better of me.
—
Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Humble daily routines and conversations dot the atmosphere, but along the way Pilar’s curiosity gets the better of her, placing a target on her back as the outfit works feverishly to conceal the true reason for the venture.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
In their previous three head-to-head battles, statistically LaMelo got the better of Lonzo, averaging 21.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Jan. 2025
Mia Yim interfered after with a kendo stick, and even after Piper absconded the stick, Yim got the better of Niven.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
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Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Humble daily routines and conversations dot the atmosphere, but along the way Pilar’s curiosity gets the better of her, placing a target on her back as the outfit works feverishly to conceal the true reason for the venture.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
In their previous three head-to-head battles, statistically LaMelo got the better of Lonzo, averaging 21.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Jan. 2025
Mia Yim interfered after with a kendo stick, and even after Piper absconded the stick, Yim got the better of Niven.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for get the better of
Dictionary Entries Near 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 22 Feb. 2025.
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