What does “Take the fifth” mean?
"Take the fifth" means to refuse to answer a question, especially in a legal setting, in order to avoid self-incrimination.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The witness decided to take the fifth when asked about his involvement in the crime.
Example
The defendant's lawyer advised him to take the fifth during the cross-examination.
Example
The suspect remained silent and chose to take the fifth during the interrogation
Is “Take the fifth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take the fifth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Take the fifth” effectively in context?
You can use "Take the fifth" when someone chooses not to answer a question, especially in a legal setting, to avoid self-incrimination. For example, if a friend is being questioned by the police and decides not to provide any information, you might say, 'He decided to take the fifth and remain silent during the interrogation.'
- 1Legal Proceedings
The witness was afraid of implicating himself, so he chose to take the fifth when asked about his involvement in the crime.
- 2Courtroom
The defendant's lawyer advised him to take the fifth during the cross-examination to avoid providing potentially incriminating answers.
- 3Police Interrogation
The suspect remained silent and chose to take the fifth during the interrogation to protect his rights.
Similar phrases to “Take the fifth”:
Clam up
To become silent or refuse to speak, especially when under pressure or in a difficult situation
Example
He clammed up and didn't say a word when confronted by the police.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take the fifth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take the fifth" can be traced back to the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being compelled to incriminate themselves in a criminal case. It grants the right to remain silent and not testify against oneself. The phrase 'take the fifth' is derived from this constitutional right.
Is “Take the fifth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take the fifth" is a well-known idiom, particularly in legal contexts. It is commonly used to describe the act of refusing to answer a question in order to avoid self-incrimination.
What tone does “Take the fifth” have?
"Take the fifth" conveys a tone of legal protection and caution. It is often used in serious situations where individuals exercise their rights to remain silent and protect themselves legally.
Can “Take the fifth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "take the fifth" is a formal expression primarily used in legal settings or discussions. It is not commonly used in everyday conversations but is widely understood in legal contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The witness decided to take the fifth and refused to answer any questions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm going to "take the fifth"' to imply the intention to remain silent.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- refuse to answer
- remain silent
- decline to respond
- exercise the right to silence
Antonyms
- cooperate
- answer truthfully
- provide a statement
- speak freely
- volunteer information
