beg

Everyday

1. To ask someone very strongly, again and again, for something you want a lot. tree →
2. To ask strangers for money or food because you are poor. tree →
3. Of a dog: to sit up with its front paws raised, hoping for food or a treat. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, children beg parents for a treat or a later bedtime; good manners say ask once politely rather than begging. In stories, a character begs for mercy or begs someone to stay, which shows strong feeling or fear. Phrases: «beg for», «beg someone to do something», «I beg your pardon» (a polite «sorry» or «what did you say?»), «beg for mercy».

Examples

• We begged Mum to let us stay up for the fireworks. tree →
• The dog begged for a piece of my sandwich. tree →
• "Please, please, please," she begged. tree →
• A man was begging for coins outside the station. tree →
• The prisoner begged for mercy. tree →
• I beg your pardon — I didn't hear you. tree →
• He begged his friend not to tell the teacher. tree →
• Our puppy has learned to sit up and beg. tree →
• "Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. tree →

Note

Past form doubles the g: begged, begging. «I beg your pardon» is polite and means «Sorry?» or «Excuse me». Begging is asking, not taking; it is different from stealing. Do not feed a begging dog food that is bad for dogs, like chocolate or grapes.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The Torah and the Writings treat poverty with great seriousness. Tradition calls on people to give charity (tzedakah) so that the poor do not have to beg. In the primary lessons: In everyday life, children beg parents for a treat or a later bedtime; good manners say ask once politely rather than begging. In stories, a character begs for mercy or begs someone to stay, which shows strong feeling or fear. Phrases: «beg for», «beg someone to do something», «I beg your pardon» (a polite «sorry» or «what did you say?»), «beg for mercy».

Examples

• Let his children be vagabonds, and beg; and let them seek their bread out of their desolate places. (Writings PSA.109.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. (Writings PRO.20.4, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form doubles the g: begged, begging. «I beg your pardon» is polite and means «Sorry?» or «Excuse me». Begging is asking, not taking; it is different from stealing. Do not feed a begging dog food that is bad for dogs, like chocolate or grapes.