skip a beat

not skip a beat

To not slow down, pause, or lose one's place, especially in spite of a potential distraction or disruption. The boss didn't skip a beat during the meeting when his son-in-law staggered in, reeking of booze. You can't fluster my mother. No matter how you try to shock or annoy her, she never skips a beat.
See also: beat, not, skip

skip a beat

1. To slow down, pause, or lose one's place, especially when faced with a potential distraction or disruption. Typically used in the negative. The boss didn't skip a beat during the meeting when his son-in-law staggered in, reeking of booze. You can't fluster my mother. No matter how you try to shock or annoy her, she never skips a beat.
2. Of the human heart, to flutter, often from nervousness or excitement. I swear, my heart skipped a beat the first time I saw my wife. My heart skips a beat every time I'm called into my boss's office.
See also: beat, skip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • not skip a beat
  • miss a beat
  • not miss a beat
  • without skipping a beat
  • without missing a beat
  • get on with (something)
  • get on with it
  • recollect
  • re-collect
  • recollect (oneself)
References in periodicals archive
FANS of Olly Murs will find their hearts skip a beat at news that The X Factor success story has announced a North East date for next year.
X FACTOR OLLY ANNOUNCES DATE
He said: "Susan did not skip a beat. We got goose bumps.
Susan's got more talent
If your heart seems to skip a beat, are you headed for trouble?
Skipped beats usually harmless
The heart may seem to skip a beat or beat irregularly or very fast or very slowly.
Arrhythmias/rhythm disorders