Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to get the better of

to get the better of

16 4.1
To take control of someone, something, or a feeling that you cannot stop
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : vencer a
  • We let our emotions get the better of us, and we're sorry.
  • curiosity got the better of
  • let them get the better of
  • conscience got the better of

The father cuts off a piece of his ear and finally Sue gets the better of his father.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • For a long time I couldn't sleep, but my heart got the better of my reason.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Curiosity got the better of him.

    The Moon and Sixpence (1942)

  • You let him get the better of you.

    Thunderball (1965)

  • I got the better of him.

    Bisping (2021)

  • Will the German get the better of the young rookie?

    Gran Turismo (2023)

  • Maybe guilt just got the better of him.

    No Reasons (2016)

  • Father said I always let my temper get the better of me.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Eventually, however, my curiosity got the better of me.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • She'd never wanted to speak to her mother again, but curiosity got the better of her.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • In the final match, the experienced player managed to get the better of his younger opponent with a clever strategy.

Synonyms

to defeat
vsto get the better of
932 2.1

To beat someone in a game, fight, or contest

often involves winning despite strong resistance or temptation
to overcome
vsto get the better of
429 2.9

Deal with and defeat a problem or fear

applies to beating people or things when resistance is strong
to take control
vsto get the better of
227 3.5

Start to have power and make decisions about something

implies gaining power despite strong resistance not only starting authority
to overpower
vsto get the better of
33 3.8

To use more strength to defeat and control a person or thing

relies on overcoming strong resistance rather than sheer strength
to get the best of
vsto get the better of
32 4.6

To be overcome by something like tiredness, strong feelings, or problems

emphasizes struggle and resisting strong opposition rather than outside causes
to wrest control
vsto get the better of
4 7.7

To take control from someone by force or strong effort

focuses on overcoming resistance rather than forcible seizure
to get one's claws into
vsto get the better of
  • Informal
1 8.4

To become strongly involved in something and take control of it

is about gaining control after strong resistance not mere eagerness
to have the best of
vsto get the better of
6.8

To be unable to control strong feelings or tiredness

focuses on prevailing through difficulty and resisting others' efforts

Antonyms

to yield
81 4.3

To stop resisting under pressure or force

defeated
2.0

Feeling sad and without hope after a loss

How Dominant

to overpower
33 3.8
to subdue
37 5.5
to get the better of
16 4.1
to outperform
30 4.8
to overcome
429 2.9

Surface Forms

get the better of infinitive

Morphology

get + the + better + of

The meaning 'to defeat or gain control' is related to the literal constituents: 'get' (obtain) + 'better' (superiority), so a learner could plausibly infer a sense of obtaining an advantage. However, the fixed idiomatic pattern 'get the better of' and its uses (e.g. being overcome by an emotion) are not fully predictable from the words alone, making it only partially transparent.

Etymology

Get the better of may come from a simple image: one person or thing manages to get the better of another, like in a tug of war when one side pulls the other across the line. So, it now means 'to defeat' or 'to gain control', or for a feeling to 'win' over you.