# get the better of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-the-better-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To overwhelm or overcome.

## Examples

- Do not let your anger get the better of you.
- She tried to stay calm during the argument, but her frustration eventually got the better of her.
- Although he prepared for the presentation for weeks, his nerves got the better of him when he finally stood before the large audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.