get the better of somebody/something

get the better of (someone or something)

To gain superiority, mastery, or an advantage over someone or something; to get control over someone or something. I knew I shouldn't be meddling in other people's business, but my curiosity got the better of me. I know we could have beaten them in last week's game, but they just got the better of us from the start.
See also: better, get, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get the ˈbetter of somebody/something

defeat somebody/something: She always manages to get the better of me at tennis. Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him and he had to take a look in the box.
See also: better, get, of, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • better of
  • be/have done with somebody/something
  • be in line with (someone or something)
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • begin with
  • begin with (someone or something)
  • bird has flown, the
  • beware of
  • beware of (someone or something)
  • be rough on (someone or something)