B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[beat time] {v. phr.}
To follow the rhythm of a piece of music by moving one's fingers or feet.
Jack was beating time with his foot during the concert, which annoyed his neighbor.
[beat to] {v.}, {informal}
To do something before someone else does it.
I was waiting to buy a ticket but only one ticket was left, and another man beat me to it.
We were planning to send a rocket into space but the Russians beat us to it.
[…]
[beat to the punch] or [beat to the draw] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To do something before another person has a chance to do it.
John was going to apply for the job, but Ted beat him to the draw.
* /Lois bought the dress before Mary could beat her to the […]
[beat up] {v.}, {informal}
To give a hard beating to; hit hard and much; thrash; whip.
When the new boy first came, he had to beat up several neighborhood bullies before they would leave him alone.
- Used with "on" in substandard speech.
* /The […]
[beauty sleep] {n.}
A nap or rest taken to improve the appearance.
She took her beauty sleep before the party.
Many famous beauties take a beauty sleep every day.
[beaver] {n.}, {slang}, {vulgar}, {avoidable}, {citizen's band radio jargon}
A female, especially one driving along the highway and operating a CB radio.
I didn't know there was a beaver aboard that eighteen wheeler.
[because of] {prep.}
On account of; by reason of; as a result of.
The train arrived late because of the snowstorm.
[become of] {v. phr.}
To happen to; befall.
What will become of the children, now that both parents are in jail?
[bed]
See:
[GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED],
[GO TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS],
[MAKE ONE'S BED AND LIE IN IT],
[PUT TO BED].