"get the better of" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English. It is used to describe when one person or thing successfully overcomes another person or thing. For example, "Her determination to succeed eventually got the better of her fear of failure.".
"Sometimes emotions get the better of you.
Frustration can get the better of anyone.
And sometimes her personal obsessions get the better of her.
"I let my emotions get the better of me.
"Hopefully, we can get the better of them this year.
Others let their emotions get the better of them.
But Abdullah's worries often get the better of him.
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union