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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.

See Examples For:

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

He beat the rap on a technical kink.

From Death Points a Finger by Will Levinrew

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