Better half

Meaning

The idiom "better half" refers to the more attractive, appealing, or successful partner in a relationship, marriage, or business partnership. It is used to describe someone who is perceived as superior in some way compared to their counterpart.

Usage

• After meeting her partner for the first time, Mary couldn't help but notice how much better he was at making small talk than she was.
• In their relationship, Sarah always felt like she was the better half because her partner was so successful in his career.
• The two business partners couldn't agree on who was the better half of the partnership, but it was clear that one of them was more productive and efficient than the other.
• When comparing their children, John always thought that his wife's side of the family was the better half because they were more successful academically and professionally.
• Despite having different personalities and interests, Tom and Emily made a great couple because they complemented each other perfectly and were both the better half of the relationship.

Roots and History

The idiom "better half" has been in use since at least the early 20th century. It is derived from the idea that each person in a relationship or partnership brings something unique and valuable to the table. The concept of having a better or worse half can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, where relationships were seen as partnerships between two complementary halves of a whole. Over time, the idiom has evolved to reflect changing societal values and norms around relationships and partnerships.

Synonyms in English

• Better half of the equation
• The better partner
• The more successful one
• The superior individual
• The dominant force

Synonyms in other languages

• En la mejor mitad (Spanish) - This literal translation means "in the best half." It is used to describe someone who is perceived as more attractive or successful than their counterpart.
• La meilleure moitié (French) - Similar to the Spanish translation, this literal translation means "the best half." It is used to describe someone who is perceived as more attractive or successful than their counterpart.
• 好半不好半 (Japanese) - This idiom can be translated as "good half, bad half" or "half good, half bad." It is used to describe a situation where both parties have strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out.
• Die bessere Hälfte (German) - This literal translation means "the better half." It is used to describe someone who is perceived as more attractive or successful than their counterpart.
• 더 좋은 반투석 (Korean) - This idiom can be translated as "better half, worse half" or "good side, bad side." It is used to describe a situation where both parties have strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out.

Similar Idioms

• buffer zone

• bang head against wall

• next of kin