Crossword Genius

Oddly deficient, down to last husband? Bound to be honest (2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on oath

'bound to be honest' is the definition.
(eg under oath in a court)

'oddly deficient down to last husband?' is the wordplay.
'oddly deficient' means one should take alternating letters (letters in odd-numbered positions removed).
'husband?' becomes 'h'.
'down'+'to'+'last'='downtolast'
The alternate letters of 'downtolast' are 'onoat'.
'onoat'+'h'='ON OATH'

(Other definitions for on oath that I've seen before include "Bound to speak the truth" , "Sworn to speak the truth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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