to not pause.

George didn't miss a beat when we asked him what kind of car we should buy for our daughter.

Even when she's asked embarrassing questions, she doesn't skip a beat.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form without missing a beat:

Ella forgot the words she had memorized but, without missing a beat, she made up new ones.

Etymology: based on the idea of the regular beat of music or the heart

• if it weren't for someone
• if it weren't for something
• if knows what's good for
• if knows what's good for them
• If looks could kill...
• if memory serves
• If Mohammed will not go to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed.
• if need be
• if push comes to shove
• if someone knows what's good for
• if someone knows what's good for them
• If someone thinks something, they've got another thing coming!
• If someone thinks something, they've got another think coming!
• If someone thinks, they've got another thing coming!
• If someone thinks, they've got another think coming!
• If the cap fits .
• If the cap fits wear it.
• if the going gets rough
• if the going gets tough
• if the worst comes to the worst
• If thinks something, they've got another thing coming!
• If thinks something, they've got another think coming!
• If thinks, they've got another thing coming!
• If thinks, they've got another think coming!
• if worst comes to worst