take the fifth meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "to take the fifth" idiom?

Answer 1

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Taking the fifth can sometimes be the best course of action.
 

Answer 2

Idiom Usage:

You can use this idiom whenever the intent is that by saying something, a person will be incriminated whether they are guilty or not.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Scenario 2:

Your browser does not support the audio element.
Johnny is a 14 year old teenage boy.  His mother comes home one day to discover that her favorite lamp in the living room has been smashed.  Johnny's mother asks Johnny if he knows anything about the broken lamp in the living room.  Johnny replies...

"I take the fifth."

Did Johnny break the lamp?  We do not know.  In fact, Johnny had been playing in the living room with his friends but did not break the lamp.  Johnny is worried that if he tells his mother this fact that he will be incriminated and his mother will believe that he did break the lamp.

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 1:

Your browser does not support the audio element.
Steve was arrested by the police yesterday.  They thought he might have robbed a bank.  Steve did not rob a bank but knew better than to say anything that might cause him trouble.  When the police began to question Steve, he would only say...

"I take the fifth."

Wisely, Steve remained silent until he could talk to his lawyer.

Answer 5

Idiom Definition:

Your browser does not support the audio element.
"to take the fifth"

to remain silent regarding a particular subject or circumstance in order to not incriminate yourself
 

Synonyms:
answer, bridle, button, check, clam, close-lipped, curb, defer, discrete, discretion, evidence, grounds, hold, hush-hush, incriminate, inhibit, keep, law, oath, refrain, refuse, restrain, reticent, silent, suppress,  testify, tight-lipped, uncommunicative, unforthcoming, zip
 
 
The criminal being questioned by the police detective is literally taking the fifth. - - - - ->