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.See also: oath, on

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.See also: oath, on

under oath

Under a burden or responsibility to speak truthfully or perform an action faithfully.See also: oath