1 B2 idiomatic informal
To force someone to learn or accept a value, habit, or lesson through repeated harsh treatment or discipline.
"Good table manners were beaten into us from a very young age."
separable
beat into
B2 informal separable transitive
To force someone to learn or accept something through harsh, repeated pressure or punishment.
In plain English
To make someone learn something by being very strict or even harsh about it.
What does "beat into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To physically shape a material by hammering it into a particular form.
"The blacksmith beat the hot iron into a curved blade."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically strike something into a person or object.
Actually means
To make someone learn something by being very strict or even harsh about it.
Usage tip
Often used to describe strict upbringing or authoritarian teaching methods. Can be literal (physical beating) or figurative (intense repetition). Carries a negative connotation.
Words that pair with "beat into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sense manners discipline obedience lesson idea
How to conjugate "beat into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
beat into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beats into
he/she/it
Past simple
beat into
yesterday
Past participle
beaten into
have + pp
-ing form
beating into
continuous
Hear "beat into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "beat into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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