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
Keep your eyes wide open and refuse to let anyone get the better of you.
—
Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
The moon’s clash with Pluto cautions you against letting emotions get the better of you.
—USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2024
Italy is getting the better of Team USA at the net.
—NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024
The Patriots’ backups got the better of the Panthers, however.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for get the better of 
Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024
The moon’s clash with Pluto cautions you against letting emotions get the better of you.
—USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2024
Italy is getting the better of Team USA at the net.
—NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024
The Patriots’ backups got the better of the Panthers, however.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for get the better of
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'get the better of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Get the better of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20better%20of. Accessed 21 Sep. 2024.
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