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
By Matteo Wong June 26, 2024, 6:57 AM ET
Silicon Valley appears, once again, to be getting the better of America’s newspapers and magazines.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 June 2024
Ronaldo let his annoyance get the better of him after claiming he should have been awarded a penalty for having his shirt pulled, resulting in yellow card for dissent.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 26 June 2024
In the scene, Kathy and Johnny verbally spar over Benny’s love and loyalty, until Johnny thinks he’s got the better of the housewife.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 June 2024
Who hasn't felt anxiety getting the better of joy or a natural connection between sadness and embarrassment?
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for get the better of 
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 June 2024
Ronaldo let his annoyance get the better of him after claiming he should have been awarded a penalty for having his shirt pulled, resulting in yellow card for dissent.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 26 June 2024
In the scene, Kathy and Johnny verbally spar over Benny’s love and loyalty, until Johnny thinks he’s got the better of the housewife.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 June 2024
Who hasn't felt anxiety getting the better of joy or a natural connection between sadness and embarrassment?
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 14 June 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 4 Jul. 2024.
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