beat Banaghan
To tell wonderful stories, or something which is amazing and remarkable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That story really beats Banaghan.”
“You should hear my grandfather talk about his travels; his tales truly beat Banaghan.”
“The old sailor sat by the fire and spun a yarn that surely beats Banaghan, leaving the entire tavern in complete silence.”
first recorded 19th c. disputed origin
The Classic 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue speculates "perhaps Banaghan was a minstrel famous for dealing in the marvellous."
- 01
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 02
beat a retreat
To leave hastily in the face of opposition.
- 03
beat around the bush
To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally.
- 04
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 05
beat feet
To run.
- 06
beat it
To leave; to go away.
- 07
beat off
To masturbate by stimulating one's own penis.
- 08
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
Last updated August 10, 2026