on trial
Idioms-
In the process of being tried, especially in a court of law. For example, He would be put on trial for the murder of his wife . [Early 1700s]
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As a test of something, on probation, as in They said we could take the vacuum cleaner on trial and return it if it was too noisy . [Early 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pishko explains the story of Aaron Spencer, a 38-year-old Army veteran who was nearly put on trial for murdering a man but is now running for local sheriff.
From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026
Serhii K, extradited to Germany last year, will become the first suspect to go on trial for the blasts.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
Eventually, the father asks a prosecutor with equal parts anger and exasperation, “Am I on trial for my beliefs?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026
With a different landing, the Princess of Wales might have been on trial for murder.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
“Gentlemen, let’s don’t be childish! This boy’s going on trial for his life. My job is to enforce the laws of this state. . . .”
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
