1
general::
Also, beat a hasty retreat. Reverse course or withdraw, usually quickly. For example, I really don't want to run into Jeff? let's beat a retreat. This term originally (1300s) referred to the military practice of sounding drums to call back troops. Today it is used only figuratively, as in the example above.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): beat a (hasty) retreat
to withdraw from a place very quickly. • We went out into the cold weather, but beat a retreat to the warmth of our fire. • The dog beat a hasty retreat to its own yard.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs