YourDictionary

What does "beat out" mean?

  1. Knock into shape by beating, as in She managed to beat out all the dents in the fender. [c. 1600]
  2. Surpass or defeat someone; be chosen over someone. For example, He got to the head of the line, beating out all the others. [Colloquial; second half of 1700s] Also see beat the pants off.
  3. beat out of. Cheat someone of something, as in He was always trying to beat the conductor out of the full train fare. [Slang; second half of 1800s]

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