be still my beating heart
An exclamation that something is too exciting or overwhelming for one to bear; literally, that it is causing one's heart to beat too fast. In modern usage, it is almost always used sarcastically to imply that something is actually mundane, uninteresting, or unappealing. Usually shortened to "be still my heart." You want me to go shopping with you? Oh, be still, my beating heart! No, thank you. He said the majority of the work I'd be doing for him would entail—be still, my beating heart—copying text from one source to another.
beat Banaghan
1. obsolete To be beyond the bounds of imagination or belief, as of a surprising, shocking, or amazing occurrence. Primarily heard in Ireland. The dog figured out how to open the latch on the fence, and the cows took off after him! This beats Banaghan, to be sure.
2. obsolete To tell amazing, imaginative stories. Primarily heard in Ireland. That auld fellow looks to be a sailor type; sure, he's been beating Banaghan to us all evening long.
beat Banagher
1. obsolete To be beyond the bounds of imagination or belief, as of a surprising, shocking, or amazing occurrence. Primarily heard in Ireland. The dog figured out how to open the latch on the fence, and the cows took off after him! This beats Banagher, to be sure.
2. obsolete To tells amazing, imaginative stories. Primarily heard in Ireland. That auld fellow looks to be a sailor type; sure, he's been beating Banagher to us all evening long.
take a beating
1. to be severely defeated in a game or competition The Knights really took a beating in last night's game.
2. to lose a lot of money The company took a beating last year, losing about $50 million.
3. to be severely criticized The president took a beating from environmental groups yesterday.
4. to be damaged by something The southeast took another beating from the weather yesterday.
Related vocabulary: take a lickingEtymology: based on the literal meaning of take a beating (to be hit and badly hurt)