beg to differ
beg to differ
Meaning
- to politely refuse something
- to ask for pardon by refusing something
- to refute
Example Sentences
- The argument was quite wonderful in his opinion but I beg to differ. I never enjoy political debates.
- I beg to differ to your substandard taste in clothes.
- He is so arrogant that if someone were to beg to differ to his opinions, he could just never take it.
- I teach this in class every semester and yet I am in search for the student who will beg to differ to my research. That is the day when I would love to have an academic debate.
- I always enjoy his company and feel sorry that you beg to differ.
- Larry Smith is in favour of setup a new production unit of mobiles at Glassgow, but the managing director beg to differ.
Origin
The phrase belongs to the British region and is most popularly used in the same. Although the phrase points to humility through the use of the word “beg” it is in actuality used (mostly) as a sarcastic comment. The phrase is speculated to have been used by the Lords in England and the “begging” was as superficial as it could be. It was show of humility where none was required (or in some cases present). The exact literary origin is yet to be traced.