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Synonyms

beat the rap

Idioms  

  1. Escape punishment; win acquittal. For example, The youngsters were caught shoplifting, but somehow they were able to beat the rap. The rap in this idiom means “the legal charge against one.” [Slang; 1920s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The alleged conspiracists appear to believe they can beat the rap, despite the already overwhelming amount of evidence Willis provided of their guilt in her 98-page indictment.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2023

He derides the charges as an “affront to American democracy” and vows to beat the rap.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023

But Gotti beat the rap, and the big case became a huge defeat.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

Dame D.O.L.L.A., is trying to beat the rap against athlete rappers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2019

By that time, Bossard had managed to get enough influence behind him so that he could beat the rap.

From Hail to the Chief by Schoenherr, John

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.