beg the question

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

to make one naturally want to ask a particular question; (formally) to assume the very point being argued

Why this phrase?

In formal logic, 'beg' means taking the disputed conclusion for granted; in everyday usage, the phrase is also used for prompting an obvious question.

Example

“The sudden resignation begs the question of who knew about it.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

moot point Neutral · CEFR C1

a question that is debatable or no longer relevant because it has been settled or made irrelevant

brain power Informal · CEFR B1

intelligence or mental ability used to think and solve problems

on the fence Neutral · CEFR B1

to be undecided or avoid choosing between two options or sides

slippery slope Neutral · CEFR B1

a course of action that seems small or harmless but leads, step by step, to a serious or disastrous result

think twice Neutral · CEFR B1

to reconsider an action carefully before doing it

break ranks Neutral · CEFR B2

to openly depart from the shared position of one's own group

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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