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

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

beat someone hollow

defeat or surpass someone completely or thoroughly.

See also: beat, hollow, someone