1
general::
Phrase(s): beat someone up
to harm or subdue a person by striking him. • The robber beat me up and took my money. • I really wanted to beat up that intruder., Phrase(s): beat something up
1. to whip up something, such as an egg. • Beat the egg up and pour it in the skillet. • Beat up another egg and do the same. 2. to ruin something; to damage something. • The banging of the door has really beat this wall up. • The frequent pounding of the door handle beat up the wall., Phrase(s): beat oneself up
Fig. to be overly critical of one’s behavior or actions; to punish oneself with guilt and remorse over past actions. (Not a physical beating. Fixed order.) • It’s over and done with. There’s no need to beat yourself up. • He’s beating himself up over his role in the accident.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Strike repeatedly, as in She told the police her husband had beaten her up. [Slang; first half of 1900s] 2. Also, beat up on. Attack verbally, as in That newspaper article really beat up on the town council. [Slang; late 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms