beat to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To get somewhere or do something before another person can.
Literal meaning: To arrive at a destination by striking out ahead of someone.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To do or reach something before a rival or another person has the chance to.
"I was about to suggest the same idea, but she beat me to it."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
In the phrase 'beat to the punch': to act before someone else acts against you or takes advantage.
"Their competitor beat them to the punch by releasing a similar product two months earlier."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used in the pattern 'beat someone to something' or 'beat someone to it'. Very common in everyday speech and informal writing.
Commonly used with
punch it draw finish line door idea
Forms
Base
beat to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beats to
he/she/it
Past simple
beat to
yesterday
Past participle
beaten to
have + pp
-ing form
beating to
continuous
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