IDIOM OF THE DAY - {BETTER}

IDIOM OF THE DAY - {BETTER}

1 'Better safe than sorry'

[It is better to be cautious and take steps now to avoid possible difficulties later on.]

2 'For better or (for) worse'

[Whether the results of something are good or bad]; used to express (sometimes resigned) acceptance of a state of affairs that cannot be changed
This new school curriculum is, for better or worse, here to stay, so we might as well learn to live with it.
The expression derives from the ‘Solemnisation of Marriage’ in the Book of Common Prayer:‘To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.’

3 'Had better'

[(Someone) ought to (do something)]
I’d better check that I’ve locked all the doors before I go out. / You’d better not go there this evening—/ think he’ll be busy. *Sometimes used as a threat: ‘I’ll pay you back on Friday. ‘You’d better!’ / ‘I promise I’ll return the car.’ ‘You better had!’

4 'That’s better'

[Used to express encouragement, praise or comfort]
Now, Daniel, let me have another look at your sketch. That’s better,
you’ve obviously tried very hard to get the perspective right this time.

5 'What could be better than ...?'

[Something is perfect and cannot be improved upon]
What could be better than a month’s holiday at our luxury hotel by the sea?

6 'You (he, she, etc.) would be better off'

[Used to express advice to someone to follow one course of action in preference to another]
You’d be better off travelling by train; it’s quicker than by car during the rush hour.

taken from the GLOBAL ELT ENGLISH IDIOMS DICTIONARY