beat to the punch
beat (someone) to the punch
[American]
to do something before someone else does it.
I was thinking of applying for that job but Carol beat me to the punch.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat to the punch
• beat (someone) to the punch/draw
to do something before others
My friend beat me to the punch and arrived at the interview first.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat to the punch
v. phr., slang To do something before another person has a chance to do it.
John was going to apply for the job, but Ted beat him to the draw.
Lois bought the dress before Mary could beat her to the punch.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat someone to the punch
beat (someone) to the punch
[American]
to do something before someone else does it.
I was thinking of applying for that job but Carol beat me to the punch.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

beat someone to the punch
• beat (someone) to the punch/draw
to do something before others
My friend beat me to the punch and arrived at the interview first.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲