# beg off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/beg-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To obtain somebody's permission to skip or cancel an event that one has previously arranged with them.

## Examples

- I am tired, so I will beg off the party tonight.
- She had to beg off the dinner invitation because she suddenly felt unwell after work.
- Although he had initially promised to attend the gala, he decided to beg off at the last minute to avoid the inevitable confrontation with his former business partner.

## Origin

From the verb beg and the adverb off, first recorded in the mid-18th century. The compound describes the act of seeking release from a prior engagement or duty through a formal request.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.