oath
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Related to oath: Hippocratic oath, Oath of allegiance
blood oath
An oath of loyalty between two or more people, especially one made in a ceremony in which small cuts made on each person's hand, finger, or arm are pressed together so that their blood can comingle. Tom and I formed a blood oath swearing that we would both keep the secret of the hidden treasure between us until the day we died. Let's all make a blood oath that we'll remain friends forever, no matter what! I made a blood oath with the king in my youth and thus will forever defend him to the utmost!
bloody oath
interjection, slang Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand.
1. Absolutely; definitely. Used to add emphasis to an affirmative statement or response. A: "Are you going to bring the issue up with him?" B: "Bloody oath I am!" Bloody oath I'm going to the concert! I wouldn't miss it for anything! Bloody oath I'll be there on Saturday—it's only my best friend's wedding!
2. Used to express an intense emotional reaction, especially excitement or enthusiasm. Bloody oath, Jenny, these cakes are delicious! The newest film in the franchise comes out tomorrow, and, bloody oath, I can't wait! Bloody oath, look at the graphics on this game! It's the most impressive installment in the franchise by far.
my bloody oath
interjection, slang Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand.
1. Absolutely; definitely. Used to add emphasis to an affirmative statement or response. A: "Are you going to bring the issue up with him?" B: "My bloody oath I am!" My bloody oath I'm going to the concert! I wouldn't miss it for anything!
2. Used to express an intense emotional reaction, especially excitement or enthusiasm. My bloody oath, Jenny, these cakes are delicious! The newest film in the franchise comes out tomorrow, and, my bloody oath, I can't wait!
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.
take an oath
To make a formal, binding promise (to do something). You took an oath when you agreed to be a witness in this trial, so you must answer my questions completely truthfully! We all took oaths to keep this a secret until the day we die.
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. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take an oath
to make an oath; to swear to something. You must take an oath that you will never tell anyone about this. When I was a witness in court, I had to take an oath that I would tell the truth.
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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
take an oath
To agree to a pledge of truthfulness or faithful performance.
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.