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Take five vs Take the fifth

admin Confusing Phrases

take five—(coll.) take a short rest period:

  • Hey, Bob. I’m tired. Can we take five?

take the fifth—

1. (U.S. legal) refuse to testify appealing to the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution:

  • Accused criminals can “take the fifth” without fear of reprisal.

2. (coll.) decline to answer a question:

  • I’ll take the fifth on that one. Ask Fred.

See also: give someone five / give someone high five.