Translation guide
How to express the idea of someone or something gaining an advantage, overcoming, or defeating someone, often in a contest, argument, or struggle. Also covers being overwhelmed by an emotion or impulse.
To gain an advantage over someone in a competition, argument, or conflict; to win against someone.
When a feeling or desire becomes too strong to control, causing someone to act against their better judgment.
Literally 'to lose'. Used with emotions to mean 'to give in to' or 'to be overcome by'. Very common and natural.
To come out ahead in a deal, negotiation, or tricky situation.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get the upper hand' or 'to gain an advantage'. Used in negotiations or conflicts.
Literally 'strike and defeat'. A strong, direct verb for defeating an opponent in a fight, game, or contest.
He got the better of his rival.
Means 'to surpass' or 'to be superior to'. Often used when one person or thing is better than another in quality or ability.
He got the better of his opponent in the argument.
Means 'to outwit' or 'to outmaneuver'. Implies using cleverness or strategy to get ahead of someone.
He got the better of his competitors.
A casual verb meaning 'to defeat' or 'to beat'. Common in sports and games.
He got the better of me in tennis.
He let temptation get the better of him.
I let anger get the better of me and said things I shouldn't have.
Means 'to yield' or 'to succumb'. More formal than 負ける, often used in writing.
He didn't let fear get the better of him.
Literally 'to be swallowed up'. Used when someone is overwhelmed by a situation or emotion, losing composure.
He let nervousness get the better of him.
He got the better of the other party in the negotiation.
Literally 'one step ahead'. Describes being slightly better or more skilled, often used in competitive contexts.
He always gets the better of me.