diff --git a/frappe/model/db_query.py b/frappe/model/db_query.py
index b73e691245..753cd22f9d 100644
--- a/frappe/model/db_query.py
+++ b/frappe/model/db_query.py
@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ class DatabaseQuery:
 			limit_page_length = page_length
 		if limit:
 			limit_page_length = limit
+		if as_list and not isinstance(self.fields, (list | tuple)) and len(self.fields) > 1:
+			frappe.throw(_("Fields must be a list or tuple when as_list is enabled"))
 
 		self.filters = filters or []
 		self.or_filters = or_filters or []