PhrasesHub

beating like a drum

    Definitions

      • rhythmic or steady
        Describing a sound or movement that is regular and consistent, often used metaphorically to express a continuous and repetitive action or sensation

      • easily noticeable or prominent
        Referring to something that is very noticeable or obvious, often used to describe a person's behavior or a situation

    Examples of beating like a drum

    • The sound of rain on the roof was beating like a drum as the storm outside intensified.

      In this example, the phrase "beating like a drum" is used to describe the rhythmic and loud sound of raindrops hitting the roof during a heavy storm. The idiom is used in the transitive form, with the verb "was" and the direct object "sound" before the idiom.

    • Her heart was beating like a drum in her chest as she faced her biggest fear.

      In this example, the phrase "beating like a drum" is used to describe the rapid and loud beating of a person's heart during a moment of intense emotions such as fear or excitement. The idiom is used in the intransitive form, with just the subject and the idiom.

    • The beating of the drum kept in time with the music of the marching band, adding a powerful rhythm to their performance.

      In this example, the phrase "beating like a drum" is used to describe the steady and loud rhythm of a drum in a marching band. The idiom is used in the complete sentence, with the subject, verb, object, and the idiom.

    • The sound of his footsteps echoed through the empty hall, beating like a drum against the walls.

      In this example, the phrase "beating like a drum" is used to describe the loud and rhythmic sound of footsteps echoing in an empty space. The idiom is used in the transitive form, with the verb "echoed" and the indirect object "sound" before the idiom.

    • The sound of the heavy rain drummed against the windows like a steady beat on a drum.

      In this example, "beating like a drum" is used to describe the rhythmic sound of rain striking against a window. This idiom implies that the sound is loud and consistent, just like the sound produced by a drum.

    • The author's heart beat so hard it felt like it could burst out of her chest and beat like a drum.

      In this example, "beating like a drum" is used to describe the strength and intensity of the author's heartbeat. This idiom implies that the heartbeat is so forceful it seems as if it could match the beat of a drum.

    • The crowd's feet pounded against the pavement like a chorus of drums.

      In this example, "beating like a drum" is used to describe the loud and persistent sound of the crowded footsteps. This idiom implies that the sound is so loud and repetitive that it resembles the sound produced by a drum.

    • The metronome kept a steady, rhythmic beat that felt like a drum in the author's ears.

      In this example, "beating like a drum" is used to describe the loud and consistent sound of the metronome. This idiom implies that the sound is so persistent that it seems as if it could match the beat of a drum.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "beating like a drum" can be used to convey the idea of something being rhythmic or steady, as well as something that is easily noticeable or prominent. It is often used metaphorically to describe a continuous and repetitive action or sensation, or to highlight the obviousness of a person's behavior or a situation.

    Origin of "beating like a drum"

    The origin of the idiom "beating like a drum" can be traced back to the drum, a musical instrument that produces a rhythmic and steady sound when played. The use of drums in various cultures and traditions has made the sound of beating drums synonymous with regularity and consistency, leading to the use of the phrase to describe anything that is rhythmic or steady.

    Additionally, the prominence and noticeable nature of drums, especially in traditional music and ceremonies, may have contributed to the use of the idiom to describe something that is easily noticeable or prominent. The idiom has likely evolved over time as a result of the widespread use and cultural significance of drums in various societies.