ENGLISH
REFERENCE

excuse me

idiom
Meaning

A polite phrase you use to get someone's attention, to say sorry for a small mistake, or to ask someone to move so you can pass.


Examples
SIMPLE

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

CONTEXTUAL

Excuse me, could you please move your bag so I can sit down?

COMPLEX

Excuse me, I believe you dropped your wallet while you were walking through the crowded station.

Last updated April 22, 2026