build a better mousetrap
To create a new product, method, or idea that is better than an existing version of something already common or widely used.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She is trying to build a better mousetrap for cleaning floors.”
“He wants to build a better mousetrap for charging electric cars.”
“The startup hopes to build a better mousetrap by using artificial intelligence to simplify how people manage their daily schedules.”
“The new software company wants to build a better mousetrap by making online banking much faster and more secure for small business owners.”
“While many competitors were content with minor updates, the visionary entrepreneur sought to build a better mousetrap that would fundamentally disrupt the entire industry.”
first recorded 19th c.
A shortening of build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door. Derived from the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: If a man has good corn or wood, or boards, or pigs, to sell, or can make better chairs or knives, crucibles or church organs, than anybody else, you will find a broad hard-beaten road to his house, though it be in the woods. (1855).
- 01
an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
Precaution and prevention of an undesirable thing is preferable to dealing with its potential consequences.
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better angels
Morally upright or otherwise positive attributes of human character.
- 03
better for it
In a more favorable position on the whole due to something, despite possible drawbacks.
- 04
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
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better nature
the more amiable qualities of someone
- 06
better place
Heaven; happiness after death.
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better than sex
Superlative; wonderful.
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build a case
to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026