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go one better

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go one better (than somebody/something)

to do more or be better than someone or something else do one better (than somebody/something) When her friend picked up a pair of those new spike-heeled boots, Shirley went one better and ordered a custom-made pair.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form go someone or something one better: Her opponent made a strong statement against her, but she went him one better by proving him wrong.

See also: better, one

go one better

to do something better than it has been done before The company has decided to go one better than its rivals by offering free drinks with every burger. He set the world record last year. This year he would like to go one better by beating his own record.

See also: better, one

go one better

Outdo or surpass someone, as in He went one better than his teacher and came up with five more famous scientists. This expression originated in gambling games, where it meant "to offer a higher stake than one's opponent." [Mid-1800s]

See also: better, one