beat out
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Knock into shape by beating, as in She managed to beat out all the dents in the fender. [c. 1600]
Surpass or defeat someone; be chosen over someone. For example, He got to the head of the line, beating out all the others. [Colloquial; second half of 1700s] Also see beat the pants off.
beat out of. Cheat someone of something, as in He was always trying to beat the conductor out of the full train fare. [Slang; second half of 1800s]
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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