Beats me

[Cayte]

Hi Everyone,

     I read a comic strip and found an expression that I'm positive we've all heard and used very often.
 
Beats me is a very common spoken expression. Can you figure out what beats me means?

a. That's not true
b. Stop saying bad things about me.
c. I have no idea.
d. That's funny.


Doctor: Mr Bond, your wife claims that you are often rude and outspoken. Why do you think that is?
Bond: Beats me!!!



If your answer is "I don't know" or "I have no idea"; you're correct.

[luke]

hmmm, beats me. Whats the answer?

[benleon]

I would not use the phrase "beat me" in front of an angry man, otherwise I could literally end up black and blue in the hospital.

[Learneng]

Good one Cayte, I found some more on the net:

• If someone answers a question by saying, "Beats me," he/she means that_______

he/she doesn't know the answer

Opposite of this:

• When someone says, "I see where you're coming from," his/her meaning is_______

"I understand your thinking/reasons."

• "I'm beat!" means _______

I feel very tired

Learneng

[Cayte]

Here is another 'beat':

beat around the bush = to avoid answering a question; to stall; to waste time.

Stop beating around the bush and answer my question.
Let's stop beating around the bush and discuss this matter.

I myself do it very often when I don't want to give a straight answer. I keep beating around the brush.

Beat it! = Go away!; Get out! (Slang)
Bill:  Sorry I broke your ratio.
Bob: Get out of here! Beat it!


"Beat it, you kids! Go play somewhere else!" yelled the storekeeper.

[luke]

They are all good examples. I struggle to think of any more, but feel obliged to mention the beat found in music. You can use it in expressions when praising a song by saying it has a 'good beat.'