ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get the better of

idiom
Meaning

To overwhelm or overcome.


Examples
SIMPLE

Do not let your anger get the better of you.

CONTEXTUAL

She tried to stay calm during the argument, but her frustration eventually got the better of her.

COMPLEX

Although he prepared for the presentation for weeks, his nerves got the better of him when he finally stood before the large audience.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 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.

  2. 02

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  4. 04

    better angels

    Morally upright or otherwise positive attributes of human character.

  5. 05

    better for it

    In a more favorable position on the whole due to something, despite possible drawbacks.

  6. 06

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  7. 07

    better nature

    the more amiable qualities of someone

  8. 08

    better place

    Heaven; happiness after death.

Last updated April 17, 2026