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to come off worst
01
to be in the least favorable or losing position in a situation compared to others involved
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "come off worst" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "come off worst" can be traced back to the 16th century when "worst" was used as a comparative form of "bad." The phrase was commonly used in the context of battles and fights where the person who was defeated was said to have come off worst. Over time, the phrase came to be used in other situations where someone suffered a loss, such as in business or personal relationships. Today, it is a commonly used idiom to describe any situation where someone has suffered a defeat or loss.
Example
The negotiations are not going well for them, and it looks like they may come off worst.
In the argument, he came off worst and was left feeling humiliated.
In the fight, he came off worse and had to be taken to the hospital.
She has always been competitive, but in this race, she came off worse and finished last.
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