best

at the best of times even in the most favourable circumstances.

best bib and tucker: seebib.

the best thing since sliced bread: seebread.

do your level best: seelevel.

give it your best shot: seeshot.

man's best friend: seeman.

put your best foot forward: seefoot.

with the best will in the world: seewill.

the best of both worlds: seeworld.

the best of British used to wish someone well in an enterprise, especially when you are almost sure it will be unsuccessful. informal

☞ This phrase is an abbreviation of the best of British luck to you.

give someone or something best admit the superiority of; give way to. British

2004Sunday Business Post That was always one thing that the Irish race was always noted for, the one place where the world had to give us best.

make the best of it

1 derive what limited advantage you can from something unsatisfactory or unwelcome.

2 use resources as well as possible.

☞ The first sense is often found in the form make the best of a bad job, meaning 'do something as well as you can under difficult circumstances'.

your best bet the most favourable option available in particular circumstances.

six of the best a caning as a punishment, traditionally with six strokes of the cane.

☞ Six of the best was formerly a common punishment in boys' schools, but it is now chiefly historical in its literal sense and tends to be used figuratively or humorously.

with the best of them as well or as much as anyone.

2000DVD Verdict Lewis is cold, arrogant, even violent, but can turn on the charm and tinkle the ivories with the best of them.