take a beating

/tˈeɪk ɐ bˈiːtɪŋ/

/tˈeɪk ɐ bˈiːɾɪŋ/

[phrase]

to take a beating

[PHRASE]

to experience a significant loss, failure, or setback in a particular situation

to [take] a beating definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "take a beating" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "take a beating" is unclear, but it likely comes from the literal meaning of taking a physical beating or being physically assaulted. This phrase is often used in informal or casual language to describe situations where someone has suffered a defeat or has been harmed in some way.

to receive physical punishment or endure physical harm

to face strong negative feedback or verbal abuse

Examples

1. The author's new book took a beating from critics, who mercilessly tore apart its plot, characters, and writing style.

2. and then I'm gonna do a sheet mask to moisturize my face, because it's taken a beating from being sick for so long.

3. These bins are probably used, you know, 500 times a year by all our passengers, so that means, just, they take a beating.

4. Vehicles like that are meant for taking a beating, for enduring harsh conditions, for getting scratches on their paint jobs.