cry off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To say you can't do something you already agreed to do, especially at the last minute.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To cancel or withdraw from a planned event or arrangement, usually at short notice.
"He cried off the dinner party at the last minute, saying he had a headache."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To withdraw from a competition or commitment before it has begun.
"One of the top seeds cried off the tournament, citing a recurring knee injury."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. Has a slightly negative connotation — implies the person is letting others down. More common in British than American English, where 'back out' or 'pull out' are more frequent.
Commonly used with
meeting event agreement match appointment invitation
Forms
Base
cry off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cries off
he/she/it
Past simple
cried off
yesterday
Past participle
cried off
have + pp
-ing form
crying off
continuous
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Synonyms
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