Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

miss-a-beat

idiomatic expression

/mɪs ə biːt/

Definition

To fail to make a connection or to experience a brief pause or lapse in attention or emotion.

Examples

She was so surprised by the news that she nearly missed a beat in her conversation.
Even when he’s nervous, he never misses a beat while performing on stage.
During the presentation, he missed a beat when asked an unexpected question.

Meaning

The phrase ‘miss a beat’ often refers to a moment during which someone seems to lose focus or does not respond in the expected way, particularly in situations requiring emotional reaction or engagement.