beggar description

Idioms  

1. Defy or outdo any possible description, as in The stage set was so elaborate, it beggared description. This term, alluding to the idea that words are insufficient to do something justice, was already used by Shakespeare in Antony and Cleopatra (2:2), “For her own person It beggared all description.”

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Example Sentences

And from sun rise to sun set, I passed through scenes and experiences that beggar description.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2019

The acoustics are so complex that they beggar description.

From Time Magazine Archive

The sufferings endured by the poor Highlanders in the succeeding winter truly beggar description.

From Leading Articles on Various Subjects by Davidson, John

The scenes in the Jewish quarter at the close of the riot, beggar description.

From Rabbi and Priest A Story by Goldsmith, Milton

Nothing could be better than the excellent food prepared by the ship's steward, but these emigrants prefer to bring with them provisions that beggar description.

From The Confessions of a Caricaturist, Vol. 2 by Furniss, Harry