dire : Idioms & Phrases

Index

dire straits

  • noun a state of extreme distress
    desperate straits.
WordNet

voir dire

Voir dire
Etymology
OF., to say the truth, fr. L. verus true + dicere to say.
Definitions
  1. (Law) An oath administered to a witness, usually before being sworn in chief, requiring him to speak the truth, or make true answers in reference to matters inquired of, to ascertain his competency to give evidence. Greenleaf. Ld. Abinger.
Webster 1913