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3. pledge

pledge

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go back on one's word

 and go back on one's promise; go back on one's pledge

to break a promise that one has made. I hate to go back on my word, but I won't pay you $100 afterall. Going back on your promise makes you a liar.

See also: back, on, word

pledge something

to someone to promise something to someone. I pledged one hundred dollars to Ralph for his cause. We pledged a lot of money to our favorite charity.

take the pledge

Fig. to promise to abstain from drinking alcohol. I'm not ready to take the pledge yet, but I will cut down. My aunt tried to get me to take the pledge.

See also: pledge, take

sign/take the pledge

  (humorous)

to decide that you are never going to drink alcohol again Why are you drinking Coke? Have you signed the pledge or something?

See also: pledge, sign

take the pledge

tv. to promise to abstain from alcohol. I’m not ready to take the pledge yet, but I will cut down.

See also: pledge, take