beat back

Idioms  

1. Force to retreat or withdraw, as in His findings beat back all their arguments to the contrary. This phrase was often used in a military context (and still is), as in Their armies were beaten back. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

beat back

Yet I was sure the American people would rise to the challenge and beat back the threat, as they had in World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

In the Democratic primary, Platner, 41, beat back Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, who is 78.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

Yet Lopez once again beat back her well-funded opposition.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

Norwegian family drama, Sentimental Value, beat back stiff competition in the best film not in the English language category, including Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent.

From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2026

Mother would beat back illness with a broom.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

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Related Words

• chase away
• confront
• drive away
• drive off
• fend off
• rebuff
• resist
• withstand

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