The phrase "beat someone to it" is an idiomatic expression in the English language that means to accomplish or perform an action before someone else does. It typically implies a sense of competition or urgency, as the aim is to do something before another person has the opportunity to do so.
When someone "beats someone to it," it signifies that they have successfully completed a task, action, or intention in advance of others, thereby gaining an advantage or taking precedence. This expression is often used when multiple individuals are vying for the same objective or goal, and one person manages to achieve it before the rest. There is an element of swiftness and assertiveness associated with this phrase, as it conveys a sense of seizing opportunities and not waiting for others to act.
The meaning of "beat someone to it" can encompass a wide range of contexts, whether it be in competitive situations, social interactions, or even day-to-day activities. For instance, if two people are reaching for the same item on a shelf in a store, the one who grabs it first can be said to have "beaten the other to it." Similarly, if someone has an idea they intended to share but someone else voices it before them, they could say that person "beat them to it."
Overall, "beat someone to it" describes the act of outpacing or outperforming others, taking action ahead of them, and achieving a desired outcome first.
