getting the worst of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting the worst of it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is suffering the most negative consequences or outcomes compared to others involved. Example: "In the argument, it was clear that she was getting the worst of it, as her points were being dismissed without consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Parents who interfere in their children's lives invariably end up getting the worst of it.

Independent

And no one more so than the "customer," who ends up getting the worst of it.

Harvard Business Review

Communal strife ensued, with the Turkish minority getting the worst of it.

The New York Times

"It looks like they went there to straighten out their differences and she wound up getting the worst of it".

Independent

Both players continued to be befuddled by the wind, but Berdych seems to be getting the worst of it lately.

The New York Times

The series opener between Los Angeles and Kansas City was physical, with Los Angeles getting the worst of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

(Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa got the worst of it, losing both its production facility and tasting room). Ninety percent of the area's grape crop was harvested before the blaze, and most winery tasting rooms have reopened.

Forbes

Owen got the worst of it.

Independent

They got the worst of it.

The New Yorker

But Labour got the worst of it.

The Economist

But he got the worst of it".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting the worst of it" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is experiencing the most negative consequences in a particular situation. It implies a comparison with others who are faring better.

Common error

Avoid using "getting the worst of it" when there is no clear comparison being made. The phrase implies that others are experiencing the same situation but with less negative impact. If there is no comparison, consider using phrases like "suffering greatly" or "experiencing hardship" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting the worst of it" functions as a verbal phrase within a clause, often acting as the predicate. It describes a state of experiencing the most negative consequences. The Ludwig examples clearly illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting the worst of it" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe experiencing the most negative consequences compared to others. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and academic contexts. Alternatives include "suffering the most" or "bearing the brunt". Remember to use it when a clear comparison is intended and avoid it when there's no relative context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides ample examples of its use in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffering the most

Emphasizes the experience of hardship or pain.

coming off worse

Indicates a less favorable outcome compared to others.

bearing the brunt

Focuses on enduring the main force of something negative.

faring poorly

Emphasizes having a negative experience or result.

taking the hit

Highlights absorbing damage or loss.

drawing the short straw

Implies being selected for an undesirable task or situation.

on the losing side

Indicates being part of a group that is failing or defeated.

on the receiving end

Focuses on being the target of something unpleasant.

at a disadvantage

Highlights being in a less favorable position.

in a losing position

Suggests being in a situation where defeat is likely.

FAQs

How can I use "getting the worst of it" in a sentence?

You can use "getting the worst of it" to describe a situation where someone or something is suffering more than others. For example: "In the economic downturn, small businesses were "getting the worst of it" compared to large corporations."

What are some alternatives to "getting the worst of it"?

Alternatives include "suffering the most", "bearing the brunt", or "taking the hit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "getting the worst of it"?

Yes, "getting the worst of it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity based on numerous examples from reliable sources.

What does "getting the worst of it" imply?

"Getting the worst of it" implies that someone or something is experiencing the most negative aspects of a situation, usually in comparison to others who are also involved but not suffering as much.