Meanings
A reference to the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states, among other things, that it may not be required of one to testify against oneself.
How to pronounce "take the fifth":
AU
To decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
Example: "If you ask me who ate the last of the ice cream, I will simply take the fifth."
Example Sentences
1
When asked about the incident, he chose to take the fifth and remain silent.
2
She didn't want to incriminate herself, so she decided to take the fifth during the interrogation.
3
The politician's lawyer advised him to take the fifth and not answer any questions about the matter.
4
The witness was granted the right to take the fifth and avoid testifying against her family.
5
The suspect remained defiant throughout the interrogation and repeatedly chose to take the fifth.
