get the better of
idiom
: to defeat or trick (someone) by being clever
It would be hard to get the better of someone as experienced as she is.
—often used figurativelyShe knew she shouldn't open the package, but her curiosity finally got the better of her and she opened it.
Examples of get the better of in a Sentence
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Severino’s frustrations continued Saturday, as Giants hitters got the better of him in taking down the A’s, 7-2.
—
Sean Campbell
july 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
Expectations While Switzerland will surely like to make their Euros knockout debut on home soil, home advantage might not prove enough to get the better of the likes of Norway and Iceland in this group.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
That nearly got the better of them just 12 short months ago.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Led by third singles standout Daniel Lee, who got the better of Acton-Boxborough’s Jonathan Nguyen – 6-2, 6-1 – in straight sets, Lexington (23-1) seized a lead and never relinquished it.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025
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Sean Campbell
july 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
Expectations While Switzerland will surely like to make their Euros knockout debut on home soil, home advantage might not prove enough to get the better of the likes of Norway and Iceland in this group.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
That nearly got the better of them just 12 short months ago.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Led by third singles standout Daniel Lee, who got the better of Acton-Boxborough’s Jonathan Nguyen – 6-2, 6-1 – in straight sets, Lexington (23-1) seized a lead and never relinquished it.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for get the better of
Cite this Entry
“Get the better of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20the%20better%20of. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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