beat into fits

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To surpass or defeat utterly.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

I do not mean to say Sir Hercules could in a walk carry as much flour as a miller's horse; but he would beat him into fits, and bring him to a stand still, with 17st. on each of their backs in a gallop […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “beat into fits” mean?

To surpass or defeat utterly.

Is “beat into fits” formal or informal?

beat into fits is generally slang.