Common Idioms with "Beat": Meanings and Examples

The word beat features in numerous English idioms. Here are the most common:

Idioms & Meanings

• Beat around the bush: Avoid addressing a topic directly.
• Beat the odds: Succeed despite low probability.
• Beat the clock: Finish before a deadline.
• Beat a dead horse: Waste effort on a settled issue.
• Beat someone to the punch: Act before a rival.
• Beat a retreat: Withdraw hastily.
• Beat the rap: Avoid conviction/punishment.
• Beat the drum (for): Vigorously promote.
• Off the beaten path: Unconventional, less traveled.
• Beaten track: Conventional, well-known route.
• Beat up (on oneself): Excessive self-criticism.
• Heart beat / missed a beat: Sudden fear/excitement.
• Street beat: Local news/gossip (journalism).

Grammar Notes

• Beat (present), beat (past), beaten (past participle).
• Beaten as adjective: "beaten path," "beaten egg whites."

These idioms reflect "beat" as strike, rhythm, defeat, or surpass.