pleads the fifth
Declines to answer
Pleads the fifth means to invoke the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, declining to answer questions that might expose one to criminal liability: When asked about the missing funds, he pleaded the fifth.
In casual use, it's a joking way to avoid any awkward question: Where were you last night? I plead the fifth.
- Miranda rightsSuspect's custodial advisement
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- on the recordOpenly stated, quotable
silence · take the stand · sworn testimony · double jeopardy · cross-examination · immunity · subpoena · congressional hearing · privilege · interrogation · admission · hearsay · invoke · right to counsel · presumption of innocence · perjury · fair trial · self-incrimination
pleads the fifthconfesses
Acknowledges wrongdoing openly
testifies · tells all · spills the beans · comes clean · gives testimony
plead, pleads, pleaded, pleading, plea, pleas, fifth, fifteen, fifteenth