The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word POUNDED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
O
U
N
D
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "beat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case beat = pounded.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POUNDED mean?
POUNDED verb- To confine in, or as in, a pound; to impound.
- To strike hard, usually repeatedly.
- To crush to pieces; to pulverize.
- To eat or drink very quickly.
- To pitch consistently to a certain location.
- (of a body part, generally heart, blood, or head) To beat strongly or throb.
- To penetrate sexually, with vigour.
- To advance heavily with measured steps.
- To make a jarring noise, as when running.
- To wager a pound on.
- Having undergone pounding.
- Inebriated.