bring out the best

Meaning

This expression means to cause someone to behave in the best possible way or to show their finest qualities. It is typically used to describe how a supportive friend, partner, or environment positively influences someone's character or performance.

Examples

• She really brings out the best in him; he's much more confident now.

  She really brings out the best in him; he's much more confident now.

• A good teacher knows how to bring out the best in every student.

  A good teacher knows how to bring out the best in every student.

• I love my team because we always bring out the best in each other.

  I love my team because we always bring out the best in each other.

• Working on this creative project brought out the best in her.

  Working on this creative project brought out the best in her.

• Their healthy competition brings out the best in both athletes.

  Their healthy competition brings out the best in both athletes.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She brings out the best of him.

  ✓ She brings out the best in him.

  The correct preposition to use after 'bring out the best' is 'in', not 'of'.

• ✗ She brings out my best.

  ✓ She brings out the best in me.

  While 'brings out my best' is sometimes understood, the standard native idiom is 'bring out the best in [someone]'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• A great manager knows how to bring ___ the best in their team.

  💡 It is a phrasal verb particle.

  Show answer

  out

• My best friend always brings out the best ___ me when I'm feeling down.

  💡 Think about the preposition used for the person.

  Show answer

  in