under oath

under oath

Bound by a formal promise to tell the complete and honest truth about an event while on the witness stand in a trial. You are under oath as a witness in this trial, so you must answer my questions completely truthfully! Consider your answer carefully—you're still under oath.

See also: oath

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

under oath

Fig. bound by an oath; having taken an oath. You must tell the truth because you are under oath. I was placed under oath before I could testify in the trial.

See also: oath

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

on/under ˈoath

(law) having made a formal promise to tell the truth in a court of law: Is she prepared to give evidence on oath? ♢ The judge reminded the witness that he was still under oath.

See also: oath, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

under oath

Under a burden or responsibility to speak truthfully or perform an action faithfully.

See also: oath

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.