had better (do something)
had better (do something)
Should. You had better listen to what I'm saying before you get yourself into more trouble.
See also: better
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
had better
Also, had best. Ought to, should. For example, You had better finish this one before starting another, or We had best be going. [Mid-1400s] Also see you'd better believe it.
See also: better
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
had better/best do something
used to tell somebody what you think they should do: You’d better lock the door before you leave: there are lots of thieves about. Hadn’t you better check to see if the baby is all right? ‘Shall I phone her now?’ ‘You’d best not. She might be asleep.’See also: better, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
had better
/best Usage Problem To be wise or obliged to; should or must: He had better do what he is told. You had best bring a raincoat in this weather.
See also: better
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- had better
- had better/best do something
- all to the better
- so much the better
- all the better
- go on to a better land
- ideally
- be better placed
- be well, ideally, better, etc. placed for something/to do something
- couldn't be better