miss a beat

phrase

chiefly US : to have difficulty in continuing : to stop or hesitate briefly

—often used in negative constructions

The company changed ownership without missing a beat.

A few minutes later, the power cuts out …, but Achmed doesn't miss a beat; clearly, he's used to this.

—Eric Weiner

Examples of miss a beat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scoop the refried beans into a medium bowl and fold in the water for that unexpected fluidity -- think a mid-track switch-up that flips the energy without missing a beat. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026

But Wahlberg didn’t miss a beat, extending the universe with Boston Blue’s premiere the following year, and finally getting Estes back in the mix last Friday, on the fifth episode of the series’ second season. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2026

With a few strategic layers underneath, the sporty staple can take you from an event to casual lunch without missing a beat. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

Lee, in particular, threw herself into the performance, hardly missing a beat as the night suddenly took on the feel of an after-hours party. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for miss a beat

• bittersweet
• incomplete
• indiscreet
• marguerite
• obsolete
• overeat
• overheat
• parakeet
• stillingfleet
• superheat
• amit
• athlete