beat a hasty retreat

English

Etymology

Originally a military term, referring to the pace set by drummers in the British army.

Verb

beat a hasty retreat (third-person singular simple present beats a hasty retreat, present participle beating a hasty retreat, simple past beat a hasty retreat, past participle beaten a hasty retreat)

1. To leave as quickly as possible.
   • 1827, The Times:

     A few nights ago, a fair trader had commenced unloading her cargo, consisting of light goods, in the Pent, but in the midst of the operation was discovered by the Philistines, and obliged to beat a hasty retreat across the rope-walk to the sea...

   • 2003, Mike Hollywood, Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook, page 100:

     I found not a sole around and beat a hasty retreat, but before leaving I took a look around and was impressed by the location and proximity of the lagoon.

   • 2012, H.H. Kothe, Grandpa Was a Sailor, page 56:

     After apologizing profusely, I beat a hasty retreat.

   • 2012, Allison Pang, A Sliver of Shadow:

     I caught a glimpse of him beating a hasty retreat through a smaller doorway that I hadn't seen before.

   • 2013, John O'Loughlin, Fixed Limits:

     Then I suddenly woke up with a start and discovered that I was in an empty room. The mysterious stranger had evidently beat a hasty retreat!