cry off
verb1
Ambitransitive To cancel something previously arranged with someone.
- Sorry, but I have to cry off the game on Saturday, as my mother-in-law is coming to visit.
- "I—I am very sorry, Mr Carrados," stammered the curate, "but, after all, I am afraid that I must cry off. This week—" "If the distance takes up too much of your time, may I send a car?"1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
2
To leave.
3
Slang To confess; to snitch or inform on (someone).
- Synonyms
- beg off