beg off

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to ask to be released from an engagement, obligation, etc

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beg off Idioms  

1. Ask to be released from an obligation; turn down an invitation. For example, He's asked me out to dinner three times already, but I have to beg off again, or Mother couldn't take on another committee and so she begged off. [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

McCann, then 30, told them he needed to beg off.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 21, 2023

Just make enough plans for it not to feel weird — and actually show up for them, too, through the temptation to beg off and stay home instead.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2022

It does make me drowsy, but not so tired that I have to beg off work for a nap.

From The Verge • Jan. 13, 2021

It was great that I had the opportunity to beg off.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2019

If errors are made, I can always beg off with a headache.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Related Words

• abandon
• admit
• back off
• back out
• backtrack
• balk
• cancel
• cave in
• concede
• give in
• give up
• pull back
• pull out
• renege
• retreat
• surrender
• take back
• withdraw