Come off worst
phrasal verb
To be the most harmed or disadvantaged in a situation or conflict.
In the court case, he seemed to come off worst with a costly fine to pay.
Often appears as...
- come off worst in a fight
- come off worst in a dispute
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To be the most harmed or disadvantaged in a situation or conflict.
In the court case, he seemed to come off worst with a costly fine to pay.
Often appears as...
- come off worst in a fight
- come off worst in a dispute
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Emphasizes the least favorable result in a competitive or unfavorable situation.
Despite his efforts, John came off worst in the scholarship competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Conflict Context
Often used when referring to the outcome of arguments, fights, or conflicts.
In the siblings' argument over the inheritance, Maria came off worst.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
The phrase may reflect a personal or public opinion rather than an objective fact.
The audience felt the comedian came off worst after the debate with the heckler.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Emphasizes the least favorable result in a competitive or unfavorable situation.
Despite his efforts, John came off worst in the scholarship competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Conflict Context
Often used when referring to the outcome of arguments, fights, or conflicts.
In the siblings' argument over the inheritance, Maria came off worst.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
The phrase may reflect a personal or public opinion rather than an objective fact.
The audience felt the comedian came off worst after the debate with the heckler.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
Emphasizes the least favorable result in a competitive or unfavorable situation.
Despite his efforts, John came off worst in the scholarship competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Conflict Context
Often used when referring to the outcome of arguments, fights, or conflicts.
In the siblings' argument over the inheritance, Maria came off worst.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
The phrase may reflect a personal or public opinion rather than an objective fact.
The audience felt the comedian came off worst after the debate with the heckler.
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