Dictionary

beat a hasty retreat en · VERB

Etymology

Originally a military term, referring to the pace set by drummers in the British army.

Meanings

1. To leave as quickly as possible.
   • A few nights ago, a fair trader had commenced unloading her cargo, consisting of light goods, in the Pent, but in the midst of the operation was discovered by the Philistines, and obliged to beat a hasty retreat across the rope-walk to the sea... 1827, The Times:
   • I caught a glimpse of him beating a hasty retreat through a smaller doorway that I hadn't seen before. 2012, Allison Pang, A Sliver of Shadow:
   • Then I suddenly woke up with a start and discovered that I was in an empty room. The mysterious stranger had evidently beat a hasty retreat! 2013, John O'Loughlin, Fixed Limits:
   • After apologizing profusely, I beat a hasty retreat. 2012, H.H. Kothe, Grandpa Was a Sailor, page 56:
   • I found not a sole around and beat a hasty retreat, but before leaving I took a look around and was impressed by the location and proximity of the lagoon. 2003, Mike Hollywood, Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook, page 100:

Forms