What does “Beat the tar out of” mean?
"Beat the tar out of" means to severely beat or defeat someone.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
The boxer beat the tar out of his opponent in the ring.
The boxer beat the tar out of his opponent in the ring.
Example
The football team beat the tar out of their rivals in the championship game.
The football team beat the tar out of their rivals in the championship game.
Example
The bully threatened to beat the tar out of the smaller kid
The bully threatened to beat the tar out of the smaller kid
Is “Beat the tar out of” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Beat the tar out of” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Beat the tar out of” effectively in context?
You can use "Beat the tar out of" to describe a situation where someone is severely beaten or defeated. It emphasizes the intensity and one-sidedness of the victory. For example, if a team wins a game by a large margin, you might say, 'They really beat the tar out of their opponents.'
- 1Sports
The boxer beat the tar out of his opponent in the ring.
The boxer beat the tar out of his opponent in the ring.
- 2Competition
The football team beat the tar out of their rivals in the championship game.
The football team beat the tar out of their rivals in the championship game.
- 3Bullying
The bully threatened to beat the tar out of the smaller kid.
The bully threatened to beat the tar out of the smaller kid.
Similar phrases to “Beat the tar out of”:
To defeat or beat someone decisively
Example
The team thrashed their opponents in the final match.
The team thrashed their opponents in the final match.
To defeat or overpower someone completely
Example
The army crushed the rebellion in a swift and decisive manner.
The army crushed the rebellion in a swift and decisive manner.
To completely destroy or defeat someone or something
Example
The champion boxer demolished his opponent in the first round.
The champion boxer demolished his opponent in the first round.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Beat the tar out of” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Beat the tar out of" is unknown.
Is “Beat the tar out of” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Beat the tar out of" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe a one-sided victory or a severe beating.
What tone does “Beat the tar out of” have?
"Beat the tar out of" conveys a tone of aggression and dominance. It is used to emphasize the intensity of a victory or the severity of a beating.
Can “Beat the tar out of” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "beat the tar out of" is informal and is typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It may not be appropriate for formal settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The boxer beat the tar out of his opponent.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really "beat the tar out of" him!' to imply a severe defeat.
