get the better of

idiom

Synonyms of get the better of next

: 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 figuratively

She 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The last of those defeats came on Saturday at Las Palmas, meaning the Catalans have squandered a six-point lead which could be reduced to one if bitter rival Real Madrid keeps winning and also gets the better of Valencia in a game in hand. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 His stumbling through his remarks about Trump’s supporters are just the latest example of words getting the better of him — despite his swift clarification. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Libra September 23 – October 22 Curiosity could currently get the better of you. —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 In my senior year of high school, the symptoms started to get the better of me. —

Jj Courtney, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for get the better of

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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 23 Dec. 2024.

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