1. A question asking if one can outdo something, such as an attempt at something by someone else. I just did 20 pushups—can you beat that? This is the offer I have from the other dealership. Can you beat it?

2. Can you believe it/that? (An expression of surprise or dismay.) Tom and I were supposed to get together tonight, but he never showed—can you beat that? And then she just walked out, without even saying hello to me! Can you beat it?