Take/plead the fifth
phrase
To refuse to answer a question, especially in a legal setting, based on the rights given by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution which allows a person not to answer if it could incriminate them.
When asked about the stolen goods, the suspect decided to take the fifth.
Often appears as...
- take the fifth
- plead the fifth
Usage tips
formal
general
phrase
In everyday conversation, to refuse to answer a question, often because the answer could make you embarrassed or is private.
When they asked me about my ex at the party, I just decided to plead the fifth.
Often appears as...
- take the fifth
- plead the fifth
Usage tips
neutral
colloquial
phrase
To refuse to answer a question, especially in a legal setting, based on the rights given by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution which allows a person not to answer if it could incriminate them.
When asked about the stolen goods, the suspect decided to take the fifth.
Often appears as...
- take the fifth
- plead the fifth
Usage tips
formal
general
phrase
In everyday conversation, to refuse to answer a question, often because the answer could make you embarrassed or is private.
When they asked me about my ex at the party, I just decided to plead the fifth.
Often appears as...
- take the fifth
- plead the fifth
Usage tips
neutral
colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Specificity
Used precisely in legal contexts to avoid self-incrimination during a trial or similar proceedings.
The defendant did not admit guilt and chose to take the fifth regarding the night of the incident.
Pro Tip 2/3US Constitution
The phrase is unique to the United States and derives its meaning from its specific constitution.
Foreigners might not understand when someone decides to plead the fifth in an American courtroom.
Pro Tip 3/3Serious Connotation
Invoking this right often carries a serious undertone and indicates the gravity of the legal situation.
Given the severity of the charges, her lawyer advised her to invoke the fifth.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Specificity
Used precisely in legal contexts to avoid self-incrimination during a trial or similar proceedings.
The defendant did not admit guilt and chose to take the fifth regarding the night of the incident.
Pro Tip 2/3US Constitution
The phrase is unique to the United States and derives its meaning from its specific constitution.
Foreigners might not understand when someone decides to plead the fifth in an American courtroom.
Pro Tip 3/3Serious Connotation
Invoking this right often carries a serious undertone and indicates the gravity of the legal situation.
Given the severity of the charges, her lawyer advised her to invoke the fifth.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Specificity
Used precisely in legal contexts to avoid self-incrimination during a trial or similar proceedings.
The defendant did not admit guilt and chose to take the fifth regarding the night of the incident.
Pro Tip 2/3US Constitution
The phrase is unique to the United States and derives its meaning from its specific constitution.
Foreigners might not understand when someone decides to plead the fifth in an American courtroom.
Pro Tip 3/3Serious Connotation
Invoking this right often carries a serious undertone and indicates the gravity of the legal situation.
Given the severity of the charges, her lawyer advised her to invoke the fifth.
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