have to beat (someone) away with a stick

To have to fend off the intense, persistent pursuit or advances of someone. The noun or pronoun can also be used between "away" and "with." She's always been so attractive. Even in high school she had to beat guys away with a stick. Our product suddenly became so popular during the holidays that we had to start beating away customers with a stick! I wish we had to beat clients away with a stick. I'd much prefer that to, you know, looming bankruptcy.