student asking question

What does "beat something out" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In this context, to "beat it out of someone" means to use physical violence to get something from someone, usually information. Peter Quill here is stating his intention to beat Thanos until he tells him where Gamora is. Ex: The corrupt police officer got a confession by beating it out of the suspect. Ex: Iron Man wasn't willing to give Peter Quill information, so he beat it out of him.

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