How to Pronounce "beat a retreat"
expression
BEET-uh-ri-TREET
BEET-uh-ri-TREET
Definition
To leave quickly or withdraw from a place or situation, especially to avoid danger, defeat, or embarrassment. Originally a military term, now often used in daily conversation.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbit/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ɹiˈtɹit
British English
bˈiːt/ /æɪ/ /ɹɪtɹˈiːt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BEET-uh-ri-TREET
UK
BEET-uh-ri-TREET
Listen in Context
When they saw the storm coming, the hikers beat a retreat.
Our team had to beat a retreat after losing the game.
She decided to beat a retreat from the noisy party.
Once they realized they were outnumbered, they quickly beat a retreat.