better : Idioms & Phrases
All the better
- . See under
All , adv.
Webster 1913
Better half
-
noun a person's partner in marriage
partner; married person; spouse; mate.
WordNet
- an expression used to designate one's wife.
My dear, my better half (said he), I find I must now leave thee. Sir P. Sidney.
Webster 1913
For the better
- in the way of improvement; so as to produce improvement. "If I have altered him anywhere for the better."
Webster 1913
Had better
- . (See under
Had ).The phrase had better, followed by an infinitive without to, is idiomatic. The earliest form of construction was "were better" with a dative; as, "Him were better go beside." (Gower.) i. e., It would be better for him, etc. At length the nominative (I, he, they, etc.) supplanted the dative and had took the place of were. Thus we have the construction now used. By all that's holy, he had better starve Than but once think this place becomes thee not. Shak.
Webster 1913
To be better off
- to be in a better condition.
Webster 1913
To think better of
- (any one), to have a more favorable opinion of any one.
- (an opinion, resolution, etc.), to reconsider and alter one's decision.