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Phrase "beat the purpose"



 
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Phrase "beat the purpose" #1 (permalink) Wed Sep 02, 2009 13:34 pm   Phrase "beat the purpose"
 

Would it be correct to say -

"Why are you heating ice-cream on the stove. It beats the whole idea/purpose of serving cold."
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Phrase "beat the purpose" #2 (permalink) Fri Sep 04, 2009 0:34 am   Phrase "beat the purpose"
 

The phrase is 'defeat the purpose'. This means it is counterproductive or it is not directed toward the stated goal.
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Phrase "beat the purpose" #3 (permalink) Fri Sep 04, 2009 14:01 pm   Phrase "beat the purpose"
 

Thanks :)
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