to beat the band
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Jonathon Green suggests that it means to drown out the band, that is, talk or sing louder than the band.[1] See also beat the band.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Adverb[edit]
- (idiomatic) In such a way as to surpass all competition; hence, contextually, very vigorously, at a frantic pace, to a high degree.
- 1917, Jack London, chapter 7, in Michael, Brother of Jerry:
- Fifty dollars gold 'd buy beer to beat the band—enough to drown me if I fell in head first.
- 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 7, in The Little Warrior:
- Last time I saw you, you were a kiddy in short frocks, running around and shouting to beat the band.
- 1922, Peter B. Kyne, chapter 54, in Cappy Ricks Retires:
- You rile me to beat the band sometimes, Skinner.
Synonyms[edit]
- a lot (adverb)
- beyond compare (adverb)
- like the new time (adverb)