beat to the punch

Related to beat to the punch: come in handy, get the ball rolling, worse for wear

beat (one) to the punch

To do or obtain something before someone else does. The phrase is thought to have originated from boxing. Primarily heard in US. I was going to suggest that idea to the boss today, but unfortunately one of my co-workers beat me to the punch.
See also: beat, punch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

beat someone to the punch

 and beat someone to the draw
Fig. to do something before someone else does it. I wanted to have the new car, but Sally beat me to the punch. I planned to write a book about using the new software program, but someone else beat me to the draw.
See also: beat, punch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • beat (one) to the punch
  • beat someone to the punch
  • ace in the hole
  • bag of fruit
  • all quiet on the Potomac
  • deal (one) out of (something)
  • deal out of
  • the ball is in (one's) court
  • the ball is in someone’s court
  • the ball is in someone's court