phrasal verb (idiom) · neutral
get the better of
UK/ɡet ðə ˈbetə(r) əv/US/ɡet ðə ˈbetər əv/get the BET·ter of
to be defeated or overwhelmed by an emotion or quality (e.g., anger, pride)
Examples
“His curiosity got the better of him and he opened the letter.”
“Anger got the better of her and she said things she regretted.”
“Don't let embarrassment get the better of you in the interview.”
Band 8 sentence
“During the debate she remained composed, though frustration nearly got the better of her.”
Collocations
- get the better of someone
- let X get the better of you
Word family
Common mistakes
He was got the better of by anger.→He was overcome by anger. / Anger got the better of him.
His anger got better of him.→Anger got the better of him.
Say it for a higher band
5be overcome by→6lose control→7+get the better of
Synonyms
be overcome by
lose control
Easily confused
be overcome by
“She was overcome by grief when she heard the news.”
lose control
“He lost control and shouted at his students.”
Related words
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In get …
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