take a beating

phrase

: to be beaten badly in a game or contest

The team took a beating in last night's game.

—often used figuratively to suggest a setback or loss

Our plans took a real beating from the review committee.

Many investors took quite a (bad) beating when the stock market crashed.

Examples of take a beating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Get your vehicle inspected a few weeks before departure, with attention to the engine cooling system and battery both take a beating in high heat. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

While the ring routine may seem like a walk in the park, dogs and humans alike take a beating on the circuit. — Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Inspect your roof Roofs take a beating from weather and debris. — Jan Diaz, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

Trump's recent approval numbers have sunk precipitously low — 36% in an Associated Press/NORC survey — ringing alarm bells for some in the GOP who worry Republicans might take a beating in this year's midterms. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for take a beating

• accreting
• competing
• completing
• concreting
• defeating
• deleting
• depleting
• entreating
• preheating
• reheating
• repeating
• retreating