Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
beat-to-the-punch
idiomatic expression
/biːt tə ðə pʌnʧ/
Definition
To do something before someone else can.
Examples
- She wanted to ask him out, but he beat her to the punch.
- If you want to secure a spot in the program, you need to beat the other applicants to the punch.
Meaning
This phrase means to take action ahead of another person, often to gain an advantage or to succeed before the other has a chance.
Synonyms
- Get a jump on
- Be first
- Preempt
