English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Better off
Meaning
The idiom "better off" means that someone is in a more advantageous position or has better prospects than another person. It can also mean that someone is happier, healthier, or more successful than someone else.
Usage
- John's new job is paying him twice as much as his old one, so he's definitely better off now.
- After the accident, Mary's condition improved significantly, and she's now better off than before.
- The team that won the championship received a large cash prize, making them better off financially.
- Thanks to the scholarship, Sarah is now able to attend her dream school and has better job prospects.
- After breaking up with her boyfriend, Sarah realized she was better off on her own and started dating again.
Roots and History
The idiom "better off" dates back to the 17th century, when it was first used in English literature. The phrase was originally used to describe someone who was physically or mentally stronger than another person. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to anyone who was in a more advantageous position or had better prospects than someone else.
Synonyms in English
- Better off: happier, healthier, more successful, wealthier, more fortunate
- Worst off: poorest, sickest, least successful, most unfortunate
- In good shape: doing well, in a favorable position, happy and healthy
Synonyms in other languages
- French: meilleur off (better off)
- Spanish: mejor situado (more advantageous position)
- Italian: meglio posizionato (in a more advantageous position)
- German: besser gestellt (in a better position)
- Japanese: 上手きました (did well)