# beat out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beat-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to win a competition or get a job by being slightly better than other people.

For teachers: to defeat a competitor or rival, often by a narrow margin, in order to secure a specific prize, position, or advantage.

## Examples

- She beat out three other candidates for the job.
- Our company managed to beat out the local competition to win the government contract.
- The small independent film unexpectedly beat out several big-budget blockbusters to take home the top prize at the festival.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He beat out to his brother." but "He beat out his brother." — do not use 'to' after the phrase; the person or group you defeat is the direct object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a person, a group, or a rival company as the object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'beat' (general winning) by explaining that 'beat out' emphasizes the selection process or a race where many people wanted the same single thing.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.