# cry off

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cry-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to say you cannot do something you previously agreed to do.

For teachers: to withdraw from a commitment or engagement after having initially agreed to participate; typically used in social or informal contexts.

## Examples

- He agreed to come but cried off at the last minute.
- We were supposed to go hiking this weekend, but Sarah cried off because she felt ill.
- The sponsors decided to cry off once they realized the project would not meet its original deadline.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He cried off the meeting." but "He cried off from the meeting." — when used with an object, the preposition 'from' is usually required, though it is often used without an object at all.

## Usage notes

- often used when someone cancels plans late or without a very strong reason.
- Teaching tip: this is primarily British English; contrast it with 'back out', which sounds slightly more serious or formal regarding business contracts.

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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.