English

Adverb

to beat the band

1. (idiomatic) Very vigorously; at a frantic pace; to a high degree; in large quantities.
   • 1917, Jack London, Michael, Brother of Jerry, ch. 7,

     Fifty dollars gold 'd buy beer to beat the band—enough to drown me if I fell in head first.

   • 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, The Little Warrior, ch. 7,

     Last time I saw you, you were a kiddy in short frocks, running around and shouting to beat the band.

   • 1922, Peter B. Kyne, Cappy Ricks Retires, ch. 54,

     You rile me to beat the band sometimes, Skinner.

Synonyms

• a lot ‎(adverb)
• like the new time ‎(adverb)