Beat the rap
(PW)escape punishment
There was not enough evidence to convict him, so he beat the rap and was set free.
(MW)
to escape or evade the penalties connected with an accusation or charge
(dictionary) 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.
(yourdictionary)
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.
(freedictionary)
beat the rap
Sl. to evade conviction and punishment (for a crime). He was charged with drunk driving, but he beat the rap. The police hauled Tom in and charged him with a crime. His lawyer helped him beat the rap.
beat the rap (American informal)
to escape being punished There's no way he can beat the rap now. No lawyer can save him.
beat the rap
to avoid being punished People think that if you have enough money and high-priced lawyers, you can generally beat the rap.
Related vocabulary: get off (scot-free)
