Beat to Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Competitive Edge Used when emphasizing speed and efficiency in a competitive situation. She managed to beat him to the promotion by working extra hours. Pro Tip 2/3Preemptive Action Indicates taking an action before others to secure an advantage. By waking up early, I beat everyone to the shower. Pro Tip 3/3Opportunistic Shows taking immediate advantage of a situation before someone else does. She beat us to the sale and got the last pair of shoes in her size.