Phrase guide

interview under caution

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A formal interview of a suspect by the police as part of a criminal investigation, for which the suspect is entitled to legal representation. Used to determine whether or not to prosecute the suspect, and most commonly conducted following arrest, though sometimes in other circumstances.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: England, Wales, formal

Qualifier: criminal law

Topics: government, law-enforcement

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the mandatory caution given by the police to the suspect at the beginning of such interviews: “You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”.