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
England international Gordon is one of Newcastle’s biggest threats but was unable to get the better of Quansah in their one-on-one battles in that league match at St James’ Park.
—
Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Porzingis got the better of Wembanyama on one early post-up but needed three pump fakes to do so.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
How to Watch Miami-OH RedHawks (25-8) and the No. 1 seed Akron Zips:
Date: Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Channel: ESPN2
Stream: FuboTV (watch for free)
Akron got the better of the RedHawks in the regular season with a 102-75 win in January.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Yet De Zerbi, now at Marseille of the French top flight, never got the better of Guardiola in their four Premier League meetings, losing the other three.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
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Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Porzingis got the better of Wembanyama on one early post-up but needed three pump fakes to do so.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
How to Watch Miami-OH RedHawks (25-8) and the No. 1 seed Akron Zips:
Date: Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Channel: ESPN2
Stream: FuboTV (watch for free)
Akron got the better of the RedHawks in the regular season with a 102-75 win in January.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Yet De Zerbi, now at Marseille of the French top flight, never got the better of Guardiola in their four Premier League meetings, losing the other three.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 14 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 31 Mar. 2025.
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