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

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

America’s biotech industry supports more than 10 million jobs, $3 trillion in economic output and gives America the capability to beat back pandemics and defeat biological warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

If you opt for private sessions, there’s a misconception that it will involve revealing your innermost secrets, perhaps while lying on a couch, as a therapist prods you to beat back your demons.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

In early October, CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator went on Bloomberg TV and tried to beat back the revolt.

From Barron's • Oct. 21, 2025

I remember, for myself, only trying to beat back fatigue.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

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