beat out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To win against someone else, or to put out a fire by hitting it.
Literal meaning: To hit something outward or until it is gone.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To defeat a rival or competitor, especially in a close contest.
"She beat out dozens of other candidates to land the lead role in the film."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To extinguish flames by hitting them with something.
"The campers beat out the small fire with their jackets before it could spread."
Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral
To produce a rhythm by tapping or drumming.
"The percussionist beat out a complex rhythm on the tabletop."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
'Beat out' in the competitive sense is very common in sports, business, and entertainment journalism. The fire-extinguishing sense is more literal and less frequent. Also used for tapping out a rhythm on a surface.
Commonly used with
competition rivals flames rhythm bid record
Forms
Base
beat out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beats out
he/she/it
Past simple
beat out
yesterday
Past participle
beaten out
have + pp
-ing form
beating out
continuous
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