beat back

Idioms

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]

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.

Ranchers and vets say this $4 treatment for cattle will help them beat back flesh-eating screwworm.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

To beat back inflation, the Fed lifted rates at its fastest pace in four decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

The Lord will provide, he chants, then he takes off his shirt and begins to beat back the flames.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

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

beat back

Example Sentences

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