The better part of sth

Definition & Meaning of "the better part of {sth}"

the better part of sth

the larger or more significant portion of a whole

What is the origin of the idiom "the better part of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "the better part of something" has been used in English for centuries and is rooted in the concept of comparing two or more parts of a whole, with one part being considered superior or more significant than the others. This phrase has been used in English for centuries and is rooted in the concept of comparing two or more parts of a whole, with one part being considered superior or more significant than the others.

Example

Sailors spend the better part of their time at sea.

She really is weird, unsympathetic and is useless for the better part of the movie.

When the group of friends decided to explore the dark and eerie forest, John thought that discretion is the better part of valor, and decided to stay behind.

We waited there for the better part of an hour.