Meaning of "cried off" ... Cancelled

[Ganesh]

We had great hopes of being able to invite the distinguished writer to our meeting but he cried off at the last moment.
Ganesh

[Mister Micawber]

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I am not familiar with that idiom.

We had great hopes of having the distinguished writer at our meeting, but he begged off at the last moment.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Kitosdad]

Morning Ganesh. " Cried-off " is a familiar term used in the UK. Means they fail to carry out the promise/obligation.

Kitosdad.
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.