I beg your pardon

== English == === Pronunciation === === Phrase === I beg your pardon (literally) Used to express an apology for an action. Used to request something, for example if a statement was not heard. 1915, Anatole France, Crainquebille, Putois, Riquet and other profitable tales, translated by Winfred Stephens Monsieur Gobin and Monsieur Jean Marteau came in. Monsieur Bergeret told them the subject of the conversation: "We were talking of the man whom my mother one day caused to exist, and created gardener at Saint-Omer. She gave him a name. Henceforth he acted." "I beg your pardon, sir?" said Monsieur Goubin, wiping his eye-glasses. "Do you mind saying that over again?" "Willingly," replied Monsieur Bergeret. "There was no gardener. The gardener did not exist. My mother said: 'I expect the gardener!' Straightway the gardener existed—and acted." Used to ask for clarification of something said if it is unexpected, odd or seen as rude without context. ==== Usage notes ==== According to Judith Martin, I beg your pardon is no longer used to apologize; it is only used to ask for clarification of someone’s possibly offensive speech or conduct. ==== Synonyms ==== See also Thesaurus:say again ==== Derived terms ==== I beg your pudding ==== Related terms ==== beg someone's pardon ==== Translations ====