take a beating—
1. (of one’s pride, reputation, etc.) suffer badly:
- My confidence and courage took a beating when I got calls threatening dire consequences.
2. (Sport) be defeated:
- This was the second time the Dutch team took a beating from Spain at this championship.
3. lose a lot of money:
- Not surprisingly, the company took a beating in the market, with its stock price tumbling nearly 25 percent.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase take the rap—(coll.) accept responsibility and the consequent punishment:
- Arresting me? Nonsense! In any case, what about you? Do you think I would leave you here to take the rap?
take some beating—(also: take a lot of beating ) be of very high quality and unlikely to be surpassed:
- Farnborough Air Show takes some beating. It’s an incredible experience and a fantastic show.