Beg off
verb
To ask to be excused or allowed to not do something.
I'm tired, so I think I'll beg off the party tonight.
Often appears as...
- beg off a meeting
- beg off an event
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To decline or refuse something.
She begged off the offer and decided to stay at her current job.
Often appears as...
- beg off an offer
- beg off a proposal
verb
To ask to be excused or allowed to not do something.
I'm tired, so I think I'll beg off the party tonight.
Often appears as...
- beg off a meeting
- beg off an event
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To decline or refuse something.
She begged off the offer and decided to stay at her current job.
Often appears as...
- beg off an offer
- beg off a proposal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Polite Refusal
Used to politely decline an invitation or request without causing offense.
Thanks for the invite, but I must beg off this time.
Pro Tip 2/3Slightly Formal
More formal than outright saying 'no', but still casual enough for everyday use.
May I beg off assisting with the event? I'm overcommitted already.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Commitment
Often suggests that you were expected to attend or participate in something.
I know I promised to help, but I'll have to beg off.
Pro Tip 1/3Polite Refusal
Used to politely decline an invitation or request without causing offense.
Thanks for the invite, but I must beg off this time.
Pro Tip 2/3Slightly Formal
More formal than outright saying 'no', but still casual enough for everyday use.
May I beg off assisting with the event? I'm overcommitted already.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Commitment
Often suggests that you were expected to attend or participate in something.
I know I promised to help, but I'll have to beg off.
Pro Tip 1/3Polite Refusal
Used to politely decline an invitation or request without causing offense.
Thanks for the invite, but I must beg off this time.
Pro Tip 2/3Slightly Formal
More formal than outright saying 'no', but still casual enough for everyday use.
May I beg off assisting with the event? I'm overcommitted already.
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Commitment
Often suggests that you were expected to attend or participate in something.
I know I promised to help, but I'll have to beg off.
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