taking the fifth
Refusing to testify
Taking the fifth is invoking the Fifth Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, which protects against self-incrimination—you cannot be compelled to testify against yourself in a criminal case.
In casual use, it means refusing to answer any awkward question: Where were you last night? I'm taking the fifth.
- judgeOne who decides
- civil libertiesRights limiting government power
- double jeopardyBan on repeated prosecution
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- hostile witnessTestifier favoring opposing party
deposition · court reporter · witness · perjury · cross-examination · grand jury · congressional hearing · subpoena · plea bargain · Miranda rights · legal protection · silence · hush · sweat · question · constitutional law · sworn testimony · grip
taking the fifthconfessing
Admitting to a fault
spilling the beans · coming clean · baring one's soul · oversharing · testifying
taking the fifthturning state's evidence
testifying · informing · ratting out · plea bargaining · cooperating witness
taking the fifthspeaking freely
Talking without restraint
talking · breaking silence · making a statement · denying · affirming
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