get the better of

Idioms and Phrases

Also, get the best of ; have the better or best of . Become superior to or master someone or something; win out. For example, John's common sense got the better of his pride, and he apologized , or Her older sister was always trying to get the best of her , or He was determined to have the better of his competitors . [c. 1600] Also see get the drop on .

Example Sentences

Director Sam Pinkleton turns up the party volume in a revival that sometimes allows the comic ambiance to get the better of its emotional through line.

From Los Angeles Times

"Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to see how close I could get to it," he says.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Frum paints this tantrum as a "mistake," an impulsive admission by a thin-skinned bully who let his ego get the better of him.

From Salon

"Trying to get the better of you lot is proving to be a bit more of a challenge," Sutton said.

From BBC

Related Words

• conquer
• crush
• extinguish
• humble
• overcome
• overpower
• quell
• repress
• restrain
• suppress
• tame
• temper