have a previous engagement have a previous engagement as promised before
I can´t see you on Monday because I have a previous engagement.
星期一我不能见你,因为我有约在先。
—— 给力词典精选The firm I wanted to use had prior commitments.
我想选用的这家公司已有约在先。
—— 辞典例句I shall have to refuse your invitation because of a prior engagement.
我因有约在先,所以只好谢绝你的邀请。
—— 辞典例句A prior engagement will preclude them from coming.
他们因为有约在先,不能来了。
—— 辞典例句I was unable to attend because of a previous engagement.
我因有约在先,无法出席。
—— 给力词典精选