Take the fifth Meaning in English
expression
Definição
To refuse to answer a question because it might incriminate yourself, referencing the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Used literally in legal situations and more generally to avoid answering uncomfortable questions.
Uso & Nuances
Originally legal and specific to the U.S., but often used humorously in everyday speech to dodge awkward questions. Typical structure: 'I’ll take the fifth.' Less common outside U.S. English and may require explanation to non-Americans.
Frases de Exemplo
When the police asked him about the crime, he decided to take the fifth.
basic
I don’t want to answer that question, so I’ll take the fifth.
basic
Sometimes, witnesses in court take the fifth to protect themselves.
basic
Who ate the last cookie? Uh... I'd rather take the fifth!
natural
Whenever I ask him about his ex, he just takes the fifth.
natural
If you don’t want to get in trouble, maybe you should just take the fifth on that one.
natural