beggar description
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.”
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use beggar description in a sentence
It did not exactly beggar description, but it certainly had that word on the lookout for the mendicancy squad.
Short Stories of Various Types | VariousThe sufferings endured by the poor Highlanders in the succeeding winter truly beggar description.
Leading Articles on Various Subjects | Hugh MillerThe scene that followed would beggar description—drinking, dancing, shouting, that made the Byannah Pass echo again!
I will not describe my years of happiness with my noble wife; such years beggar description.
Mauprat | George SandBehind the two heroic combats scenes were occurring which beggar description.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte | William Milligan Sloane
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