renege on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To fail to keep a promise, commitment, or agreement; to go back on one's word.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the act of breaking a formal or informal promise or obligation. It is typically followed by the preposition "on" and the object of the promise (e.g., a promise, a deal, a commitment, an agreement). * It often implies a sense of betrayal or unreliability. * It is a formal and strong term for this action.
Examples
- The company reneged on its promise to provide full healthcare benefits.
- He reneged on the contract at the last minute, causing significant problems for the project.
- You can't trust someone who constantly reneges on their commitments.
- The government was accused of reneging on its environmental pledges.
Advanced Usage
- "to renege on one's word": This is a common and emphatic collocation meaning to break a personal promise.
- He gave me his word, and I can't believe he would renege on it.
Variants and Related Words
- Renegue (verb): An uncommon, alternative spelling of "renege."
- Reneging (noun): The act of reneging.
- His reneging on the deal damaged his reputation.
Synonyms
- Break: (to fail to keep a promise, law, etc.)
- Go back on: (a more informal phrasal verb with the same meaning).
- Default on: (often used for financial or legal obligations).
- Back out of: (to decide not to do something you promised to do).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Go back on: Has the same meaning as "renege on" but is less formal.
- She went back on her promise to help us move.
Related Idioms
- Break one's word: To fail to do what one promised.
- A true leader never breaks their word.
Verb
- fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
- She backed out of her promise