take the Fifth

1. Fifth Amendment

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

take the fifth
take the fifth (amendment)
to avoid answering a question, esp. that could cause embarrassment.
I plead the fifth — I don't know where your girlfriend went!

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

take the Fifth
in the United States a witness at a trial has the right to refuse to incriminate him or herself because of the protection of the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States; to hide behind the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution which guarantees any witness the right not to incriminate himself or herself while testifying at a trial
The business executive decided to take the Fifth rather than give testimony at the trial.

The man decided to take the Fifth rather than tell all of the facts at the trial.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

take the fifth
v. phr., informal
1. Taking refuge behind the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States which guarantees any witness the right not to incriminate himself while testifying at a trial.
Alger Hiss took the Fifth when asked whether he was a member of the Communist Party.
2. Not to answer any question in an informal setting.
Have you been married before?
■ I take the Fifth.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲