beg to differ

Idioms

Disagree with someone, as in John told me Max was sure to win, but I beg to differ—I don't think he has a chance. This courteous formula for expressing disagreement echoes similar uses of beg in the sense of “ask,” such as I beg your pardon, so used since about 1600. Also see excuse me.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I beg to differ here: The trial was conducted with full transparency, closely witnessed by citizens, the media and foreign consular officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Some book purists beg to differ with Fennell’s interpretation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Influencer and wrestler Logan Paul thinks so, but many financial pros beg to differ.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

McIlroy, having won at Pebble Beach and last month's Players, should certainly beg to differ on that seemingly mischievous assertion.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025

They beg to differ with Mr. Neck’s learned opinion.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023