have to beg off

have to beg off

Said when one wishes to be excused from an obligation or invitation. She had to beg off that project when she realized that it interfered with her normal duties. They invited me to their dinner party last night, but I had to beg off because I was feeling ill. I was so exhausted during my pregnancy that I had to beg off a lot of social engagements.

See also: beg, have, off, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

I'll have to beg off.

Fig. a polite expression used to turn down an informal invitation. Andrew: Thank you for inviting me, but I'll have to beg off. I have a conflict. Henry: I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe some other time. Bill: Do you think you can come to the party? Bob: I'll have to beg off. I have another engagement. Bill: Maybe some other time.

See also: beg, have, off, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.