get the better of

USAGE SUMMARY

"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."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sometimes emotions get the better of you.

The New York Times - Sports

Frustration can get the better of anyone.

The Guardian - Film

And sometimes her personal obsessions get the better of her.

The New York Times - Books

"I let my emotions get the better of me.

Independent

"Hopefully, we can get the better of them this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Others let their emotions get the better of them.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Abdullah's worries often get the better of him.

The New York Times

Some films allow setbacks to get the better of them.

The New York Times

Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me.

The Guardian

And my temper would get the better of me sometimes".

The New York Times

Epstein lets his unrequited love get the better of him.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing; "get the better of" can sometimes imply a struggle or conflict, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "get the better of" when you mean to simply outperform without a sense of overcoming a negative force. In such cases, "outdo" or "surpass" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the better of" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of one entity overcoming or gaining an advantage over another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used expression. Examples in Ludwig show it used with emotions, opponents, and even institutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get the better of" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe overcoming or gaining an advantage over someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and validity. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse writing scenarios. While versatile, remember to consider the specific nuance and context, avoiding its use when a simple outperformance is intended without a sense of struggle. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "get the better of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain an advantage over

Focuses on acquiring a beneficial position compared to someone else.

outdo

Implies surpassing someone in performance or achievement.

defeat

Suggests winning against an opponent in a competition or conflict.

overcome

Emphasizes successfully dealing with a challenge or obstacle.

prevail over

Implies emerging as the stronger party after a struggle.

triumph over

Highlights a significant victory after a difficult situation.

get the edge on

Suggests gaining a slight advantage.

best

Simple and direct synonym for outperforming someone.

outsmart

Specifically refers to using intelligence to gain an advantage.

conquer

Implies taking control over something or someone, often with force or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "get the better of" in a sentence?

You can use "get the better of" to describe a situation where someone or something overcomes another. For example, "Don't let your emotions "get the better of" you", meaning don't let your emotions control your actions.

What's a more formal alternative to "get the better of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "gain an advantage over", "overcome", or "prevail over" depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "get the better of"?

It might be inappropriate when you simply mean to outperform without a connotation of overcoming a struggle. In those cases, consider alternatives like "outdo" or "surpass".

Is "get the better of" always negative?

While often used in contexts where a negative force is being overcome (e.g., fear, doubt), "get the better of" isn't inherently negative. It simply implies one entity gaining dominance over another, which can be neutral or even positive depending on the situation.