beg off

British  

verb

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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

beg off

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

I beg off to my favorite morning hiding place, close the door, sit down on the toilet lid and sigh it out.

From Salon ● May 7, 2017

I managed to beg off, but Liam didn’t have nearly as much willpower.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

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