beg off
Definition
Verb: - To politely ask to be excused from an engagement, invitation, or obligation that one has previously accepted.
Usage
This verb is used when someone needs to cancel or withdraw from a prior commitment, such as a meeting, appointment, or social event, by making a request. It implies a polite or apologetic tone. It is typically followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "from" or used with a direct object specifying the event.
Examples
- Verb:
- She had to beg off from the dinner party due to a sudden headache.
- I'm afraid I must beg off our lunch meeting tomorrow.
- He begged off, citing a prior family commitment.
Advanced Usage
- "to beg off doing something": To ask to be excused from a specific activity.
- He begged off giving the presentation, saying he was unprepared.
Variants and Related Words
- Beg (verb): To ask for something, especially money or help, as a charity; or to ask earnestly or humbly.
- He begged for forgiveness.
Synonyms
- Bow out: To withdraw from an activity or commitment.
- Cry off (chiefly British): To withdraw from an arrangement.
- Excuse oneself: To politely say one is leaving or cannot participate.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(This word is itself a phrasal verb. Other related constructions are listed in Advanced Usage or Synonyms.)
Related Idioms
- Take a rain check: To politely decline an offer with the implication that one might accept it later.
- While "take a rain check" is a polite refusal, "beg off" is used specifically for withdrawing from an already accepted commitment.
Verb
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ask for permission to be released from an engagement
