under oath

IPA/ˌʌndəɹ ˈəʊθ/
IPA/ˌʌndɚɹ ˈoʊθ/

under oath — idiom

1. To be in a legally binding position where you have formally promised to tell the

1.慣用語B2
釋義

To be in a legally binding position where you have formally promised to tell the truth, especially when giving evidence in a court of law.

例句

The witness testified under oath that she saw the defendant leaving the building just before midnight.

collocation: testify under oath

Wei Chen was placed under oath by the court clerk before giving any testimony.

collocation: place/put someone under oath

同義詞

文法句型

be under oath

place/put someone under oath

testify under oath

swear under oath

用法筆記

Only used in formal legal or official proceedings such as court hearings, depositions, or sworn affidavits. The phrase indicates that the speaker has made a legally binding promise — violating it by lying is the crime of perjury.

常見錯誤

❌I promise under oath to finish the project on time.
✅I promise to finish the project on time.
💡'Under oath' is only used in legal/official contexts where lying carries legal penalties, not for everyday promises.
❌He swore under oath to support his team.
✅He swore under oath to tell the truth during the trial.
💡'Under oath' refers specifically to the formal promise to tell the truth in a legal proceeding, not to any general pledge.