beat time

Idioms and Phrases

Mark musical time by beating a drum, clapping, tapping the foot, or a similar means. For example, Even as a baby, Dave always beat time when he heard music . [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

By way of showing a pretty, childlike impatience, she began to beat time with her feet to the spirited air the band was playing.

From Project Gutenberg

So still was the place that the caged cricket hanging from the eaves of Um's distant room beat time like an elfin metronome.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he remembered—without reassurement, rather with displeasure—that Val's pulses beat time to a brisker measure.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came a waltz, to which Ada beat time impatiently with her foot, and bit her lip, as she had to look on by Leander's side.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole tumult beat time to a rhythmical chorus which became maddening.

From Project Gutenberg