miss a beat

Idioms

Hesitate momentarily, out of embarrassment or confusion. This expression is most often used in a negative context, as in He sidestepped the reporter's probe into his personal life without missing a beat, or Not missing a beat, she outlined all the reasons for her decision. This expression alludes to the regular beat of musical time. [Mid-1900s]

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.

Despite traveling from Slovenia, Doncic didn’t miss a beat Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

The dancers don’t miss a beat, though.

From Literature

When Wood Jr. teased the panel to guess which restaurant was listed as “opening soon,” Ruffin didn’t miss a beat: “How? Everything is already in there!”

From Salon

While Kupp’s legend will live here forever, as long as they have Stafford, the Rams won’t miss a beat.

From Los Angeles Times

"She's just been amazing, didn't miss a beat," the post added.

From BBC

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