beat one to it . beat one to it {v. phr.} To arrive or get ahead of another person. I was about to call you, John, but you have beat me to it! Thanks for calling me. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: B Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment