"Went one better" is an idiomatic expression that signifies surpassing or outdoing a previous achievement or performance. The phrase is often used to describe an individual who takes a superior or more successful action in comparison to someone else or themselves.
The term originated from horse racing, where horses were classified by handicaps. In this context, "going one better" meant running faster than a previous winning race time. Over time, it evolved to be more broadly applied to various situations beyond horse racing.
When someone "goes one better," they are striving to exceed or improve upon an already impressive action or accomplishment. It implies a sense of surpassing a previous benchmark or going beyond what is expected or anticipated. This phrase is commonly used when discussing achievements, records, or performance in sports, entertainment, business, or personal life.
For example, if a sportsperson breaks a record, their competitor might try to "go one better" by setting a new record, surpassing the initial achievement. Similarly, a company may introduce a product that outperforms its previous version, "going one better" in terms of innovation or functionality.
In summary, "went one better" conveys the idea of exceeding a prior achievement or performance, indicating an individual or entity's commitment to constantly improving or surpassing expectations.
