beat someone hollow

beat (one) hollow

To defeat an opponent easily and/or by a wide margin. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. The final score was 17–1? Wow, we really beat that team hollow!

See also: beat, hollow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

beat someone hollow

BRITISH

If you beat someone hollow, you defeat them completely. Radio's attempts at horror are generally beaten hollow by the terrifying capabilities of cinema. If she hadn't been wearing high-heeled shoes, she would have beaten him hollow.

See also: beat, hollow, someone

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

beat someone hollow

defeat or surpass someone completely or thoroughly.

See also: beat, hollow, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017