the better of (someone or something)

the better of (someone or something)

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

*better of someone

 and *the best of someone
triumph over someone. (*Typically: get ~; have ~.) Bill got the best of John in the boxing match. I tried to get the better of Tom in the golf match, but he won anyway.
See also: better, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • better of
  • be in line with (someone or something)
  • be/have done with somebody/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)