get the better of (someone or something)

get the better of (someone or something)

To gain superiority, mastery, or an advantage over someone or something; to get control over someone or something. I knew I shouldn't be meddling in other people's business, but my curiosity got the better of me. I know we could have beaten them in last week's game, but they just got the better of us from the start. I never intend to be mean to Helena, but my nastiness gets the better of me whenever I'm around her.

See also: better, get, of

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

get the better of

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.

See also: better, get, of

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

get the better of

win an advantage over someone; defeat or outwit someone.

See also: better, get, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

get the ˈbetter of somebody/something

defeat somebody/something: She always manages to get the better of me at tennis. ♢ Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him and he had to take a look in the box.

See also: better, get, of, somebody, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017