Beaten to the punch

Posted by N.Meaux on February 14, 2010 at 23:15

Beaten to the punch:

I've heard it always used and people say it's for boxing, but my grandfather and great grandfather have always told me it was first used in factories, when they were punching out. Someone that "beat you to the punch" was already off and doing something else whil you were still at work. Which seems more likely?

• Beaten to the punch Victoria S Dennis 16/February/10