rap

1
[ rap ]
/ ræp /

verb (used with object), rapped, rap·ping.

verb (used without object), rapped, rap·ping.

noun

Idioms for rap

    beat the rap, Slang. to succeed in evading the penalty for a crime; be acquitted: The defendant calmly insisted that he would beat the rap.
    take the rap, Slang. to take the blame and punishment for a crime committed by another: He took the rap for the burglary.

Origin of rap

1
1300–50; 1960–65 for def 8; Middle English rappen (v.), rap(p)e (noun); akin to Swedish rappa to beat, drub, German rappeln to rattle; senses “to talk,” “conversation, talk” perhaps of distinct orig., though the hypothesis that it is a shortening of repartee is questionable

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rap

rap wrap rapped rapt wrapped

British Dictionary definitions for beat the rap (1 of 3)

rap 1
/ (ræp) /

verb raps, rapping or rapped

noun

Derived forms of rap

rapping, noun

Word Origin for rap

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish rappa to beat

British Dictionary definitions for beat the rap (2 of 3)

rap 2
/ (ræp) /

noun

(used with a negative) the least amount (esp in the phrase not to care a rap)

Word Origin for rap

C18: probably from ropaire counterfeit coin formerly current in Ireland

British Dictionary definitions for beat the rap (3 of 3)

rap 3
/ (ræp) /

verb, noun

Australian informal a variant spelling of wrap (def. 8), wrap (def. 14)

Cultural definitions for beat the rap

rap

A form of pop music characterized by spoken or chanted rhymed lyrics, with a syncopated, repetitive accompaniment. Rap music originated in the second half of the twentieth century in black urban communities. (See also hip-hop.)

Idioms and Phrases with beat the rap (1 of 2)

beat the rap

Escape punishment; win acquittal. For example, The youngsters were caught shoplifting, but somehow they were able to beat the rap. The rap in this idiom means “the legal charge against one.” [Slang; 1920s]

Idioms and Phrases with beat the rap (2 of 2)

rap