Meaning of beat a hasty retreat | Babel Free

Definitions

To leave as quickly as possible.

Examples

“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...”

“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.”

“After apologizing profusely, I beat a hasty retreat.”

“I caught a glimpse of him beating a hasty retreat through a smaller doorway that I hadn't seen before.”

“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!”

CEFR level