Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

beat to the punch

 - 1 dictionary result
punch 2   (pŭnch)   
tr.v.   punched, punch·ing, punch·es

  1. To hit with a sharp blow of the fist.

    1. To poke or prod with a stick.

    2. Western U.S. To herd (cattle).

  3. To depress (a key or button, for example) in order to activate a device or perform an operation: punched the "repeat" key; punched in the number on the computer.

  4. Baseball To hit (a ball) with a quick short swing.

n.  

  1. A blow with the fist.

  2. Vigor or drive. See Synonyms at vigor.

  3. To check out formally at a job upon departure.

  4. To knock unconscious with a punch.

  5. Slang To eject from a military aircraft.

Phrasal Verb(s):
punch inTo check in formally at a job upon arrival.
punch out

  1. To check out formally at a job upon departure.

  2. To knock unconscious with a punch.

  3. Slang To eject from a military aircraft.


Idiom(s):
beat to the punchTo make the first decisive move: a marketing team that beat all the competitors to the punch.

[Middle English punchen, to thrust, prod, prick, from Old French poinçonner, ponchonner, to emboss with a punch, from poinçon, ponchon, pointed tool; see puncheon1.]
punch'less adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see beat to the punch on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way