Beat yourself up Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Indicates strong feelings of regret or guilt, often more than is reasonable. After losing the game, he was beating himself up all night. Pro Tip 2/3Self-Reflection Used when someone is dwelling on their own mistakes or shortcomings. She kept beating herself up for not speaking up during the meeting. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context Common in casual conversation rather than formal or professional situations. I always beat myself up after eating too much junk food.