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Take The Fifth for Dummies

verb


What does Take The Fifth really mean?

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"Take The Fifth" is a common phrase that you might have heard before, and it's important for you to understand what it means. Don't worry, I'm here to explain it to you using simple words so that it's easy for you to grasp!

So, imagine you're playing a game with your friends, and something happens where you don't want to answer a question because it might get you in trouble or make you look bad. What do you do? You might choose to stay silent, right? Well, "Take The Fifth" is a phrase that means just that - choosing to remain silent or not give an answer when asked a question that might incriminate or harm you in some way.

But wait, there's more to it! "Take The Fifth" is actually connected to American law and the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment states that no person should be forced to give evidence against themselves in a criminal case. It's like having the right to keep quiet and not say anything that could potentially make you look guilty or get you into trouble.

Think about it like this: Imagine you're a detective trying to solve a puzzle, and you want to ask someone if they did something wrong. However, they decide to "Take The Fifth" and don't answer your question. It's like they're putting up a wall to protect themselves and not give you any information that could be used against them.

Another way to understand "Take The Fifth" is by comparing it to a game of dodgeball. When you're playing dodgeball, and someone throws a ball at you, what do you do? You dodge it, right? You try to avoid being hit by the ball. Well, "Take The Fifth" is a bit like dodging a question. It's a way to avoid answering something that could potentially cause harm or trouble for you.

So, in a nutshell, "Take The Fifth" means choosing to remain silent or not answer a question when it could incriminate or harm you. It's like having the right to keep quiet and not say anything that might make you look guilty or get you into trouble. Just remember, it's okay to "Take The Fifth" when you feel it's necessary to protect yourself!


Revised and Fact checked by Jack Taylor on 2023-10-30 04:59:34

Take The Fifth In a sentece

Learn how to use Take The Fifth inside a sentece

  • When the police asked Susie if she stole the cookies, she decided to take the fifth and not answer the question.
  • During the trial, John was afraid that his answer could incriminate him, so he chose to take the fifth and say nothing.
  • When Sarah was questioned about her involvement in the accident, she exercised her right to take the fifth and remained silent.
  • At the press conference, the politician refused to comment on the allegations and instead chose to take the fifth.
  • During the investigation, the suspect took the fifth to protect himself from possible self-incrimination.

Take The Fifth Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Take The Fifth Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.