Meanings
- idiomaticIn such a way as to surpass all competition; hence, contextually, very vigorously, at a frantic pace, to a high degree.
You rile me to beat the band sometimes, Skinner.
1922, Peter B. Kyne, chapter 54, in Cappy Ricks Retires2 more examples
Fifty dollars gold 'd buy beer to beat the band—enough to drown me if I fell in head first.
1917, Jack London, chapter 7, in Michael, Brother of JerryLast time I saw you, you were a kiddy in short frocks, running around and shouting to beat the band.
1921, P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 7, in The Little WarriorSynonyms: a lot, beyond compare, like the new time
Synonyms & antonyms
adverbIn such a way as to surpass all competition; hence, contextually, very vigorously, at a frantic pace, to a high degree.
Origin
Jonathon Green suggests that it means to drown out the band, that is, talk or sing louder than the band. See also beat the band.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
to beat the band. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/to%20beat%20the%20band
“to beat the band.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/to%20beat%20the%20band. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “to beat the band,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/to%20beat%20the%20band.
Source: to beat the band on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.