Essential Phrasal Verbs & Idioms (w/ "beat")

Question 1

to compete against someone for something, like a job, and win.

James and Paul were both trying to get the job. Paul _____ James _____ for the job.

Answer 1

beat (someone) out

Paul beat James out for the job.

James didn’t beat Paul out for the job.
Did James beat Paul out for the job?
How did Paul beat James out for the job?

Question 2

to physically harm someone by hitting/punching/kicking

James ____ Paul ____ because Paul was bragging too much about beating him out.

Answer 2

beat (someone) up

James beat Paul up because Paul was bragging too much about beating him out.

Paul didn’t beat James up.
Did James beat Paul up?
Why did James beat Paul up?

Question 3

leave; get out of here

Beat ____! Go away! Shoo!

Answer 3

[idiom} Beat it! Go away! Shoo!

Question 4

give strong support for someone/something

Henry always beats ___ ______ _____ Apple products. He loves them and always talks very highly of them.

Answer 4

[idiom} beat the drum for

Henry always beats the drum for Apple products. He loves them and always talks very highly of them.

Question 5

take a long time to answer a question (or get to the point) because one wants to avoid it.

Why do you keep trying to avoid my question? Stop beating _____ _____ ______. Just answer my question already!

Answer 5

[idiom] beat around the bush

Why do you keep trying to avoid my question? Stop beating around the bush. Just answer my question already!

I haven’t been beating around the bush.
Has he been beating around the bush?
Why have you been beating around the bush?

Question 6

device/tool used in the kitchen to mix foods together (usually eggs, powders or liquids)

I’m making a cake. The instructions say to use a ______ to mix three eggs with a half cup of flour.

Answer 6

beater (n.)

I’m making a cake. The instructions say to use a beater to mix three eggs with a half cup of flour.