English Expression · Intermediate
beg off
To obtain somebody's permission to skip or cancel an event that one has previously arranged with them
Pronunciation: say beg off
Meaning
To obtain somebody's permission to skip or cancel an event that one has previously arranged with them.
Example
I wonder if I can beg off going to the meeting that day, since it will take me an extra two hours out of my way.
I wonder if I can beg off going to the meeting that day, since it will take me an extra two hours out of my way.
Practice tips
- Practice beg off out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.