Come off worse

phrase

To end up in a worse situation, especially as a result of a conflict or competition.

In a fight between a cat and a dog, the cat usually comes off worse.
Visual representation of "come off worse" - To end up in a worse situation, especially as a result of a conflict or competition

Often appears as...

  • come off worse in a fight
  • come off worse in an argument
phrase

To end up in a worse situation, especially as a result of a conflict or competition.

In a fight between a cat and a dog, the cat usually comes off worse.
Visual representation of "come off worse" - To end up in a worse situation, especially as a result of a conflict or competition

Often appears as...

  • come off worse in a fight
  • come off worse in an argument
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "come off worse"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conflict Outcomes

Use when describing an uneven result after a confrontation or challenge.

Illustration for Conflict Outcomes
After the debate, the less experienced speaker clearly came off worse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's often used metaphorically, not just for physical fights but any competitive situation.

Illustration for Not Literal
In the trade negotiations, the smaller country came off worse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subjective Perspective

It may reflect a personal opinion on who fared worse, and others might disagree.

Illustration for Subjective Perspective
Many feel that, in the split, Laura came off worse, losing mutual friends.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conflict Outcomes

Use when describing an uneven result after a confrontation or challenge.

Illustration for Conflict Outcomes
After the debate, the less experienced speaker clearly came off worse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's often used metaphorically, not just for physical fights but any competitive situation.

Illustration for Not Literal
In the trade negotiations, the smaller country came off worse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subjective Perspective

It may reflect a personal opinion on who fared worse, and others might disagree.

Illustration for Subjective Perspective
Many feel that, in the split, Laura came off worse, losing mutual friends.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Conflict Outcomes

Use when describing an uneven result after a confrontation or challenge.

Illustration for Conflict Outcomes
After the debate, the less experienced speaker clearly came off worse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's often used metaphorically, not just for physical fights but any competitive situation.

Illustration for Not Literal
In the trade negotiations, the smaller country came off worse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subjective Perspective

It may reflect a personal opinion on who fared worse, and others might disagree.

Illustration for Subjective Perspective
Many feel that, in the split, Laura came off worse, losing mutual friends.
Visual representation of the word "Come off worse"

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