- the - the better
- used to emphasize the importance or desirability of the quality or thing specified
the sooner we're off, the better | the more people there the better
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
the - the better
Look at other dictionaries:
All the better — Better Bet ter, a.; compar. of Good. [OE. betere, bettre, and as adv. bet, AS. betera, adj., and bet, adv.; akin to Icel. betri, adj., betr, adv., Goth. batiza, adj., OHG. bezziro, adj., baz, adv., G. besser, adj. and adv., bass, adv., E. boot,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
For the better — Better Bet ter, n. 1. Advantage, superiority, or victory; usually with of; as, to get the better of an enemy. [1913 Webster] 2. One who has a claim to precedence; a superior, as in merit, social standing, etc.; usually in the plural. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
for the better — {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With a better result; for something that is better. * /The doctor felt that moving Father to a dry climate would be for the better./ * /The new large print in the book is a change for the better./ Compare: TAKE A TURN.… … Dictionary of American idioms
for the better — {adj.} or {adv. phr.} With a better result; for something that is better. * /The doctor felt that moving Father to a dry climate would be for the better./ * /The new large print in the book is a change for the better./ Compare: TAKE A TURN.… … Dictionary of American idioms
get the better of — or[get the best of] {v. phr.} 1. To win over, beat; defeat. * /Our team got the best of the visitors in the last quarter./ * /George got the better of Robert in a game of checkers./ * /When the opposing player fouled John, John let his anger get… … Dictionary of American idioms
get the better of — or[get the best of] {v. phr.} 1. To win over, beat; defeat. * /Our team got the best of the visitors in the last quarter./ * /George got the better of Robert in a game of checkers./ * /When the opposing player fouled John, John let his anger get… … Dictionary of American idioms
All the better — All All, adv. 1. Wholly; completely; altogether; entirely; quite; very; as, all bedewed; my friend is all for amusement. And cheeks all pale. Byron. [1913 Webster] Note: In the ancient phrases, all too dear, all too much, all so long, etc., this… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
have the better of — or[have the best of] See: GET THE BETTER OF … Dictionary of American idioms
have the better of — or[have the best of] See: GET THE BETTER OF … Dictionary of American idioms
take a turn for the better — {v. phr.} To start improving; start to get better. * /Aunt Hermione was very ill for a long time, but last week she suddenly took a turn for the better./ … Dictionary of American idioms
take a turn for the better — {v. phr.} To start improving; start to get better. * /Aunt Hermione was very ill for a long time, but last week she suddenly took a turn for the better./ … Dictionary of American idioms
