beat (someone) up

1. to strongly criticize someone.

The candidates spent the time beating each other up instead of talking about how to improve the economy.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form beat up on someone:

Sanchez beat up on Brown for problems with street repairs.

2. to easily defeat someone.

The Rangers beat up Kansas city, 7—3.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of beat someone up (= to hurt someone badly)

• running battle
• running battle with
• running battle with someone
• running battle with something
• running on empty
• running on fumes
• run off
• run off at the mouth
• run off something
• run off with
• run off with someone
• run off with something
• run-of-the-mill
• run out
• run out of
• run out of gas
• run out of something
• run out of steam
• run out on
• run out on someone
• run out the clock
• run over
• run over someone
• run over something
• run ragged