Idiom
beat someone upbeat (someone) up
1.
to strongly criticize someone.
The candidates spent the time beating each other up instead of talking about how to improve the economy.
Usage notes: sometimes used in the form beat up on someone:
Sanchez beat up on Brown for problems with street repairs.
2.
to easily defeat someone.
The Rangers beat up Kansas city, 7—3.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of beat someone up (= to hurt someone badly)