The term 'BEAT A HASTY RETREAT' can be solved by the crossword solutions SCRAMMED (8 letters), FLEE (4 letters), LAM (3 letters), HIES (4 letters), RUNS (4 letters), RASH (4 letters), and TURNTAIL (8 letters). This phrase is used to describe a situation in which someone quickly leaves a place or situation, often in fear or panic. The words SCRAMMED, FLEE, LAM, HIES, RUNS, RASH, and TURNTAIL all refer to different ways of quickly leaving a place or situation.