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."
inseparable
cry off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To cancel or withdraw from a previously agreed plan, commitment, or arrangement, especially at the last moment.
In plain English
To say you can't do something you already agreed to do, especially at the last minute.
What does "cry off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cry off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
meeting event agreement match appointment invitation
How to conjugate "cry off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cry off" in the wild
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