get/have the best of something

get the best of (someone or something)

To overwhelm, take control, or gain an advantage over someone or something. I never intend to be mean to Helena, but my nastiness gets the best of me whenever I'm around her. Don't let him get the best of you—just ignore him! We had gotten the best of this game until the other team tied the score.

See also: best, get, of

have the best of (something)

To be in an advantageous position. We had the best of this game until the opposition tied the score. The senator had the best of the debate because he managed to stay on the attack the whole way through. Unfortunately, the defending champions only had the best of the first half—they rapidly lost momentum in the second half.

See also: best, have, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get/have the ˈbest of something

gain more advantage from something than somebody else: I thought you had the best of that discussion.

See also: best, get, have, of, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017