beat the rap . beat the rap {v. phr.} To escape the legal penalty one ought to receive. In spite of the strong evidence against him, the prisoner beat the rap and went free. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: B Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment