on/under oath
on 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 on oath as a witness in this trial, so you must answer my questions completely truthfully! Consider your answer carefully—you're still on 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
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
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.under oath
Under a burden or responsibility to speak truthfully or perform an action faithfully.
See also: oath