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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
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To Beat a Retreat (Origin)
What 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.
Table of Contents
- English Proverbs and Idioms Test
- More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
Examples of Use:
- Realizing they were outnumbered, they decided to beat a retreat and withdraw from the battlefield.
- After the failed negotiation, they had no choice but to beat a retreat and regroup for a different approach.
- Upon encountering the angry mob, the politician had to beat a retreat to escape the escalating situation.
- They quickly realized they were trespassing and had to beat a retreat before getting caught.
- Feeling overwhelmed by the crowd, she decided to beat a retreat and find a quieter place.
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Suitable for: Teachers, advanced students, and business writers.
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
Description: Published by London's Octopus Publishing, "Smashing Grammar" is the third, and most comprehensive, grammar reference book written by Craig Shrives (the founder of the Grammar-Monster.com). It is divided into three sections:
- A-Z Grammar Glossary (This section explains grammar terminology, from the basics to advanced terms. It is especially useful because every entry concludes with a valuable and succinct explanation of why the grammar term matters for a writer.)
- A-Z of Punctuation (Packed with entertaining examples, this section provides definitive, well-explained rules for using all the principal punctuation marks. Punctuation should not be guesswork. There are rules.)
- A-Z of Easily Confused Words (This section covers all the homonyms and near homonyms that plague writers and offers tips on how to remember which to use.)
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