Beat the rap

usgb
verb phrase

To escape punishment or avoid being blamed for something.

Despite the strong evidence against him, he managed to beat the rap.
Visual representation of "beat the rap" - To escape punishment or avoid being blamed for something.

Often appears as...

  • beat a murder rap
  • beat a drug rap

Usage tips

Slang

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "beat the rap"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Legal Origin

The phrase has a legal background, suggesting escape from legal charges or accusations.

Illustration for Legal Origin
The suspect worked hard to beat the rap of embezzlement.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literally

It is used in a figurative sense and does not mean physically beating anything.

Illustration for Not Literally
Even with the odds stacked against him, he still beat the rap.
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Often Negative

May imply that someone escaped punishment unfairly or through deceit.

Illustration for Often Negative
Everyone knew he was guilty, but somehow, he beat the rap.
Visual representation of the word "Beat the rap"

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