The term 'BEATS A HASTY RETREAT' can be solved by the crossword solutions HIES (4 letters), BOLTS (5 letters), and RUNS (4 letters). HIES is an archaic verb meaning to move quickly, BOLTS is a verb meaning to move suddenly and quickly, and RUNS is a verb meaning to move swiftly. Therefore, the phrase 'BEATS A HASTY RETREAT' can be interpreted as a figurative expression meaning to outrun or outpace someone or something in a hasty retreat.