have the better of (someone or something)

To have or gain superiority, mastery, or an advantage over someone or something; to have control over someone or something. I knew I shouldn't be meddling in other people's business, but my curiosity had the better of me. I know we could have beaten them in last week's game, but they just had the better of us from the get-go. I'm sorry, I know I should have been nicer, but, whenever Helena's around, nastiness tends to have the better of me.