Meaning of take a beat | Babel Free

Definitions

To pause and take a moment to collect your thoughts, calm down, or regain composure before reacting.

Examples

““Breathe⟳ a minute. Relax⟳. Say⟳ the magic words: you need⟳ to take⟳ a beat⟳, and then you'll circle back.””

““You're suspended.” “With pay⟳?” “Technically, yeah. Yes.” “Thanks. This is a win⟳.” “Wait⟳. What.. what just happened?” “What just happened?” “We just got a paid day off to plan⟳ a revenge prank. Shred... what's your size in a bomb vest?” “Probably a medium.” “You know⟳ what, guys? I think⟳... I think⟳ we just need⟳ to take⟳ a beat⟳.” “And allow⟳ this to de-escalate?” “Yeah.” “Why don't you save⟳ that crap for your hippie sound⟳ bath? This is war. Shred... to battle.””

““Mom? Oh, Mom, you're standing!” “Frannie! I feel⟳ terrific. Let's go dancing.” [Laughs] “Mom, what?” “Come⟳ on, I still got it. Should we go climb⟳ that tree? You used to love⟳ climbing trees.” “Okay, Mom. Let's take⟳ a beat⟳. Maybe we should just... I mean⟳, we've both been through kind of a lot.””

CEFR level