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 nearby rap
ranvier,
ranvier's node,
raob,
raoc,
raoult's law,
rap,
rap full,
rap group,
rap jumping,
rap music,
rap session
British Dictionary definitions for beat the rap (1 of 3)
rap
1
/ (ræp) /
verb raps, rapping or rapped
noun
Derived forms of rap
rapping, nounWord 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)
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