get / have the best / better of sb/sth

What is the origin of the idiom "get the best of somebody or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is likely related to the idea of getting the better of someone, which dates back to the 1500s. The use of "best" instead of "better" in the phrase "get the best of" may have developed later as a way to emphasize the severity or completeness of the defeat. Overall, the phrase implies a competitive or adversarial relationship between the two parties, with one ultimately emerging victorious over the other.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the best of someone or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "get the best of someone or something" is not attributed to a specific source. This usage likely evolved over time through the observation of human behavior and the exploration of emotions and impulses. The phrase captures the idea that sometimes our desires or urges can overpower our self-control or ability to conceal them. It is used to describe moments when someone's innermost feelings or urges become so intense that they overpower rationality or self-restraint.