swear on a stack of Bibles
Promise solemnly that what one is about to say is true, as in I swear on a stack of Bibles that I had nothing to do with his dropping out. This term alludes to the practice of placing one's hand on a sacred object while taking an oath, which dates from the mid-10th century. It is still followed in courts of law where a witness being sworn to tell the truth places a hand on the Bible. [Mid-1800s]
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A THANKSGIVING SPELLING QUIZ TO FEED YOUR HISTORY KNOWHOW
Before you celebrate family and blessings this year, take this quiz to test your spelling knowledge of the history and important figures of the first Thanksgiving.
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Words nearby swear on a stack of Bibles
swear in, swearing-in, swear jar, swear like a trooper, swear off, swear on a stack of Bibles, swear out, swear to, swearword, sweat, sweatband
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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