I beg to differ

beg to differ

To politely disagree with someone else. I'm sorry, headmaster, but I beg to differ. Students at this school should have more access to financial aid and scholarships, not less. He thinks that the evening was a disaster, but I beg to differ—I saw plenty of guests enjoying themselves!
See also: beg, differ
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

beg to differ (with someone)

Fig. to disagree with someone; to state one's disagreement with someone in a polite way. (Usually used in a statement made to the person being disagreed with.) I beg to differ with you, but you have stated everything exactly backwards. If I may beg to differ, you have not expressed my position as well as you seem to think.
See also: beg, differ
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

beg to differ

Disagree with someone, as in John told me Max was sure to win, but I beg to differ-I don't think he has a chance. This courteous formula for expressing disagreement echoes similar uses of beg in the sense of "ask," such as I beg your pardon, so used since about 1600. Also see excuse me.
See also: beg, differ
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

I beg to ˈdiffer

used to say politely that you do not agree with something that has just been said: I must beg to differ on this. I think you are quite mistaken.
See also: beg, differ
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

beg to differ

To disagree in a polite manner.
See also: beg, differ
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

beg to differ, I

I disagree. This polite conversational phrase uses beg in the sense of “ask” or “entreat,” much as it is in the stock locution “I beg your pardon” for “Excuse me.” This usage dates from the 1300s.
See also: beg
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • beg to differ
  • beg to differ, I
  • I beg to disagree
  • I beg your pardon, but (something)
  • beg your pardon, but
  • beg (something) from (someone)
  • beg from
  • beg pardon
  • beg on bended knee
  • bended
References in periodicals archive
WITH regard to a recent letter (I Am Sick Of Compo Claims, 5.7.07), I know this is a popular opinion but I beg to differ. No one would wish to abolish the Small Claims Court.
The rich get richer
In reply to Emma Bassey's letter (Viewpoints, March21) suggesting Vincent Black must be short of brain cells, I beg to differ as to who is short of the grey stuff.
ViewpointsKeep up good work, Vincent
A I BEG to differ with M Gibson from South London (Question Time, August 2).
Question Time
I beg to differ. Wearing typically thrown together clothes, Kate looks in need of a good night's sleep, a hair brush and her face wiped with a flannel.
... and what about her?
Constitution could be elected, there is little he could accomplish without a likeminded Congress." Regarding this statement made in the article "Whom Do We Elect?" by Gary Benoit, I beg to differ.
"Whom do we elect?"
I BEG to differ with Tony Blair when he says there is a moral case to remove Saddam Hussein - by war if necessary.
Your Say: pounds 100 LETTER - Blair's moral duty
In regard to your article about the greatness Gray Davis has done for gays in California, I beg to differ. That was the most biased piece of journalism I have ever read--did the governor write those questions himself?
California screamin'. (reader forum)
I beg to differ with the anonymous author of the archdiocesan release of October 1, regarding the intention of those who protested the choice of John Turner as Chair of the Cardinal's Dinner.
From Lise Anglin re Cardinal's Dinner. (Letters to the Editor)
So when Peter Bainbridge proclaimed last week that Trevor Brooking is ace, the rest of us, in true Ray Wilkins style, said politely: "I beg to differ there."
SPORT ON TV; WORLD CUP VIEW FROM THE SOFA
"I know there'll be times when Jonathan Ross will be quicker than me." Having watched your first show David, I beg to differ. There is only one time when Ross is quicker than you.
BRIAN READE COLUMN: DAVID Seaman
I beg to differ. In the 1950s and 1960s, my father used to take us to the zoo several times a year.
Panda proof