beat it
Meaning
To leave immediately; often used as a blunt command telling someone to go away.
Origin
Early 20th‑century American slang: "beat" developed a sense of "depart/escape quickly" (as in "beat a retreat"), and "beat it" became a sharp imperative meaning "go away."
Notes
Blunt, often rude/hostile. Common as an imperative to dismiss someone; can also mean leaving quickly. Best in informal speech; avoid in polite/professional contexts.
Examples
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Beat it, we’re closed.
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The bouncer told the guy to beat it.
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If you see trouble, beat it and call me.
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Beat it—this is none of your business.
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When the cops showed up, they beat it out the back door.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase with "it" (don’t swap the pronoun). Most common as the imperative "Beat it!"; also usable as a verb phrase: "He beat it" (left quickly), "beat it out of there."
Synonyms
- go away
- leave
- get out
- scram
- take off
Antonyms
- stay
- stick around
- remain
- come here