Example: The magic trick defies all logic and beggars belief.
Definition
"To beggars belief" is an expression used to describe something that is so surprising, incredible, or unreasonable that it is difficult to accept or understand. For example, if a magic trick is extremely astonishing, it can be said to beggar belief.
Translations
superar toda credibilidad
met geen mogelijkheid te geloven zijn
costar de creure
défier toute croyance
kaum zu glauben sein
Etymology
The phrase "to beggars belief" originates from the idea that something is so extraordinary or unbelievable that it leaves even beggars—people who are often considered desperate or lacking—unable to comprehend or accept it. The expression has been used in English since the 16th century to emphasize extreme incredulity.
Learn to use this expression actively
"To beggars belief" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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