the better/best part of something

the better part of (something)

The majority of something. I'm sorry I'm late—my doctor's appointment took the better part of an hour.

See also: better, of, part

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

best part of something

almost all of something; a large part of something; the major part of something. The discussion took the best part of an hour. The best part of the meeting was taken up by budgetary matters.

See also: of, part

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

the better/best part of something

most of something: I worked at the camp for the better part of the summer. ♢ He had lived there for the best part of fifty years.

See also: better, of, part, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017