Meaning: This idiom means that someone does not know the answer to a question or is unable to explain something. It implies a state of confusion or lack of knowledge about a particular subject.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “What time does the meeting start? Beats me, I didn’t get the memo.”
- “Why would she quit her job without another one lined up? Beats me.”
- “How did they manage to fix the problem so quickly? Beats me, but I’m glad they did.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “beats me” is somewhat unclear, but it appears to have come into use in American English in the early 20th century. The phrase likely derives from the expression “it beats me,” which means that something is beyond one’s comprehension or understanding. “Beat” in this context means to defeat or confound, so “beats me” essentially means “it defeats my understanding.” Over time, it has become a colloquial way to express ignorance or bewilderment about a situation.
