Beggar belief/description
verb phrase
In such a way unexpected or unbelievable that it's difficult to imagine or understand.
The sheer scale of the destruction beggars belief.
Often appears as...
- beggars all belief
- beggars any belief
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
When something is so impressive or extravagant, it cannot be described adequately.
The splendor of the palace beggars description.
Often appears as...
- beggars all description
- beggars any description
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
In such a way unexpected or unbelievable that it's difficult to imagine or understand.
The sheer scale of the destruction beggars belief.
Often appears as...
- beggars all belief
- beggars any belief
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
When something is so impressive or extravagant, it cannot be described adequately.
The splendor of the palace beggars description.
Often appears as...
- beggars all description
- beggars any description
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Situations
Use it to express that something is shockingly hard to believe, often due to extreme circumstances.
The team's comeback from a five-goal deficit beggars belief.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression, not to be taken literally.
The actor's performance was so good, it beggared belief.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It often carries a negative connotation, implying something is unacceptably extreme.
The corruption in the organization beggars belief.
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