The phrase 'getting the better of' refers to an instance where someone gains an advantage over someone else in a competitive situation. The antonyms for this phrase would be 'losing to' or 'being defeated by.' Rather than getting the upper hand, losing means falling short, being less successful, or being overcome by someone or something else. Other antonyms for 'getting the better of' could include 'being outsmarted' or 'being outmatched.' In these cases, the focus shifts to the individual who is not able to perform or succeed at the same level as another person or group, rather than gaining the advantage themselves.