beat time

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

beat time

A man in a wheelchair wearing a pale-gray blazer beat time to the music with his eyes closed, a look of intense joy on his face.

From The New Yorker ● Oct. 1, 2018

“Perhaps not,” Alice cautiously replied: “but I know I have to beat time when I learn music.”

From Washington Post ● Jan. 7, 2016

Ole Earl, less than a year away from his revolving-door visits to a clutch of psychiatrists, beat time with his straw hat when he could hear the band.

From Time Magazine Archive

The deaf composer beat time at its first presentation in Vienna.

From Time Magazine Archive

But boy howdy, I had my arms around her and she was looking up at me, smiling, while Grandpa watched us and beat time to the music.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns