Withdraw, usually quickly; reverse course to avoid a confrontation.
Examples:
- I really don't want to run into Jeff—let's beat a retreat.
Origin: 1300s; originally referred to military practice of sounding drums
Synonyms: beat a hasty retreat
Withdraw, usually quickly; reverse course to avoid a confrontation.
Examples:
Origin: 1300s; originally referred to military practice of sounding drums
Synonyms: beat a hasty retreat