take a beating
idiom
: 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 lossOur 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
The CaseSafe Carry On has an aerospace-grade shell that is more than ready to take a beating, and its SilentMove wheels ensure squeaky power walks down airport hallways become a thing of the past.
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Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Made with durable, hard-wearing 600D 100% Recycled PET Ripstop, the bag can take a beating from the TSA, and three external pockets (two of which are big enough for boots) and compression straps keep your gear locked down and in its place.
—Will Porter, Outside, 14 Oct. 2025
On that note of cleaning, rugs can take a beating—after all, they’re getting stepped on every day.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Neighborhood roads take a beating from excess heavy truck traffic, and the resulting emissions inflict an environmental toll.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a beating
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Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Made with durable, hard-wearing 600D 100% Recycled PET Ripstop, the bag can take a beating from the TSA, and three external pockets (two of which are big enough for boots) and compression straps keep your gear locked down and in its place.
—Will Porter, Outside, 14 Oct. 2025
On that note of cleaning, rugs can take a beating—after all, they’re getting stepped on every day.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
Neighborhood roads take a beating from excess heavy truck traffic, and the resulting emissions inflict an environmental toll.
—Connor Giffin, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a beating
Cite this Entry
“Take a beating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20beating. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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