get the better of

phrase

Synonyms of get the better ofnext
: 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

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On Monday, first-round defensive tackle Peter Woods looked the part, splitting his two reps against starting right guard Trey Smith and getting the better of backup interior linemen Mike Caliendo and Hunter Nourzad. Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Charlotte faced off with Lash Legend, and Lash got the better of Charlotte by slamming her on a ladder. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell got the better of him on a man coverage route, but Buechele underthrew the ball. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Fauci described Biden more favorably while seemingly pointing out the former president’s age getting the better of him, an issue that would ultimately drive Biden out of the 2024 presidential election. Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for get the better of

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Cite this Entry

“Get the better of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20better%20of. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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