B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[beat the band] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
At great speed; with much noise or commotion. — Used after "to".
The fire engines were going down the road to beat the band.
The audience cheered and stamped and clapped to beat the band.
[beat the bushes] also [beat the brush] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To try very hard to find or get something.
The mayor was beating the bushes for funds to build the playground.
Contrast: [BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH] or [BEAT AROUND THE BUSH].
[beat the drum] {v. phr.}
To attract attention in order to advertise something or to promote someone, such as a political candidate.
Mrs. Smith has been beating the drum in her town in order to get her husband elected mayor.
[beat the meat] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}
To masturbate (said primarily of men).
* /"So what did you do for sex in prison for seven years?" Joe asked. "Well, unless you want to become gay, you can beat the meat and that's about it," Max […]
[beat the pants off] {v. phr.}
1. To prevail over someone in a race or competition.
Jim beat the pants off George in the swimming race.
2. To give someone a severe physical beating.
* /Jack beat the pants off the two young men who were trying to […]
[beat the rap] {v. phr.}
To escape the legal penalty one ought to receive.
In spite of the strong evidence against him, the prisoner beat the rap and went free.
[beat the shit out of] {v. phr.}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}
See: [KNOCK THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF].
[beat time] {v. phr.}
To follow the rhythm of a piece of music by moving one's fingers or feet.
Jack was beating time with his foot during the concert, which annoyed his neighbor.
[beat to] {v.}, {informal}
To do something before someone else does it.
I was waiting to buy a ticket but only one ticket was left, and another man beat me to it.
We were planning to send a rocket into space but the Russians beat us to it.
[…]