beg off
B2 formal intransitive
In simple words
To politely ask to be let off from doing something you were supposed to do.
Literal meaning: To beg (ask humbly) to be let off from something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
formal
To ask to be excused or released from an obligation, appointment, or commitment.
"He had planned to attend the conference but had to beg off at the last moment due to a family emergency."
Usage notes
More common in American English. Has a slightly formal or old-fashioned ring. Implies that the person is apologetic about withdrawing. Followed optionally by 'of' + the obligation.
Commonly used with
dinner meeting obligation commitment engagement event
Forms
Base
beg off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
begs off
he/she/it
Past simple
beged off
yesterday
Past participle
beged off
have + pp
-ing form
beging off
continuous
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