the better/best part of something

the better part of (something)

The majority of something. I'm sorry I'm late—my doctor's appointment took the better part of an hour.
See also: better, of, part
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

best part of something

almost all of something; a large part of something; the major part of something. The discussion took the best part of an hour. The best part of the meeting was taken up by budgetary matters.
See also: of, part
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

the better/best part of something

most of something: I worked at the camp for the better part of the summer. He had lived there for the best part of fifty years.
See also: better, of, part, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • the better part of (something)
  • the better half of (something)
  • had better
  • had better (do something)
  • had better/best do something
  • better half, my
  • the better for something
  • (all) the better for (something)
  • make a better fist of (something)
  • all the better