beat a retreat
To leave hastily in the face of opposition.
retreat
UK /ɹɪˈtɹiːt/ US /ɹɪˈtɹiːt/
noun 5verb 5name 1
Definitions
noun
1
The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
In a retreat he outruns any lackey.
2
The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
3
The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
The general opted for a swift retreat because he saw his troops were vastly outnumbered.
4
A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
a mountain retreat
"[…] But come, Lady, we are too near the mouth of the cavern; let us seek its inmost recesses. […]" "Though all your actions are noble, […] is it fitting that I should accompany you alone into these perplexed retreats? Should we be found together, what would a censorious world think of my conduct?"
5
A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.
verb
1
To withdraw from a position, go back.
2
To withdraw from a position, go back.
The general refused to order his soldiers to retreat, despite being vastly outnumbered.
3
To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures. (of a glacier)
4
To slope back.
a retreating forehead
His face was a fair weakness, his chin retreated, and his hair lay in crisp, almost flaxen curls on his low forehead; his eyes were rather large, pale blue, and blankly staring.
verb
1
Alternative form of re-treat.
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