get the better of somebody/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 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