beg to differ

1. 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

A few of his mended ribs beg to differ.

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His critics might beg to differ.

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Those who sit in judgement on Postecoglou's future, and in the stands at Molineux, may beg to differ given the number of times Spurs have been similarly exposed this season.

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

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Although the GOP nominee insists that he beat Harris in last week's debate, those surveyed beg to differ, with 61% of likely voters who watched last Tuesday's debate saying they believe the vice president beat Trump.

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