Phrase guide

beggar belief

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To appear implausible or unbelievable.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, intransitive

Examples

  • It beggars belief to suppose that corporate policies can always pursue the best interests of a company.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: beggar description

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: olla vaikea uskoa — Translations
  • Finnish: olla mahdotonta uskoa — Translations
  • French: dépasser l'entendement — Translations
  • French: défier l'imagination — Translations
  • Polish: nie mieścić się w głowie — Translations
  • Polish: mącić rozum — Translations
  • Spanish: sobrepasar el entendimiento — Translations
  • Spanish: rebasar la creencia — Translations
  • Spanish: sobreponerse a la credibilidad — Translations
  • Spanish: parecer increíble — Translations
  • Spanish: resultar totalmente inverosímil — Translations