English idiom

get the better of

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to defeat someone or gain control over a person or feeling

Why this phrase?

The winning side is pictured as obtaining the better position in a struggle.

Example

“Curiosity got the better of me, so I opened the old box.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

breathe down someone's neck

to monitor someone so closely that they feel pressured or uncomfortable

get a grip

regain composure and think calmly after becoming upset

get carried away

to become so excited or involved that you lose control

blow off steam

to release pent-up energy or emotion through some activity

cut loose

to abandon restraint and behave freely or wildly

drive someone up the wall

to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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