beat the rap
Meaning
Avoid being convicted or punished for a crime or wrongdoing, often by escaping legal consequences.
Origin
"Rap" is old slang for a criminal charge or blame (attested from the 18thβ19th centuries). To "beat" it is to defeat the chargeβi.e., avoid conviction or punishment.
Notes
Informal, mainly North American. Often implies someone escaped consequences (sometimes unfairly), not just a neutral legal acquittal.
Examples
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His lawyer found the missing footage, and he managed to beat the rap.
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She beat the rap after the witness admitted they had lied to the police.
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The politician beat the rap, but the scandal still ruined his career.
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They thought heβd beat the rap with a technicality, yet the judge rejected the motion.
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If you cooperate early and tell the truth, you might beat the rap on the most serious charge.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: beat the rap. Verb inflects (beats/beat/beaten). Usually used with a person as subject (He beat the rap). Often appears with legal context.
Synonyms
- get off
- get away with it
- escape punishment
- walk free
- avoid conviction
Antonyms
- face the music
- take the rap
- pay the price
- be convicted