beg to differ

1. 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.

Example Sentences

Those who sit in judgement on Postecoglou's future, and in the stands at Molineux, may beg to differ given the number of times Spurs have been similarly exposed this season.

From BBC

McIlroy, having won at Pebble Beach and last month's Players, should certainly beg to differ on that seemingly mischievous assertion.

From BBC

Although the GOP nominee insists that he beat Harris in last week's debate, those surveyed beg to differ, with 61% of likely voters who watched last Tuesday's debate saying they believe the vice president beat Trump.

From Salon

Folks in Richmond, Virginia, where his biographer says he never met a Black man as an equal, might beg to differ.

From Salon

Trump’s probation officer may beg to differ, and X was banned in Venezuela last week for spreading hatred, so Musk is persona non grata there.

From Slate