beat someone to the punch

"It could've gone the other way if I beat him to the punch in that exchange."

So in order to beat them to the punch, I've had to do some fancy flying.

I was ready to fire at him myself; you just beat me to the punch.

He opened his mouth to make the suggestion, but she beat him to the punch.

I'd sure like to see you beat him to the punch.

It was beginning to look like somebody had beaten me to the punch.

He's trying to beat you to the punch and say it all first!

I didn't need or want anything from him - and he just beat me to the punch in leaving.

He was beating Lewis to the punch and continued to work the body.

"He thinks you're trying to beat him to the punch."