Top Pages
Home
A-Z Glossary
Punctuation
A-Z Confused Words
Common Mistakes
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
(ordered by seriousness) Top Tip
Get a grammar checker
for your browser ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists Tests and Games Awkward Plurals Sayings and Proverbs Twitter YouTube
To Beat a Retreat (Origin)
by Craig ShrivesWhat Is the Origin of the Saying "To Beat a Retreat"?
To beat a retreat means to extract from a situation quickly — usually to avoid the consequences of remaining in situ.The term beat the retreat is an old military term from the days when orders were passed to fighting troops on the battlefield using drums. Positioned alongside the Commanding Officer, a drummer boy would be ordered to beat the retreat if a battle was not going to plan.
Previous and Next Sayings
Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms
Ready for the Test?
More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
Next lesson >