five-second rule

plural five-second rules

1. Any rule that allows or prohibits certain behavior for five seconds after some event, especially:
   1. informalThe belief that food dropped on the ground is still hygienic to eat provided it is picked up within five seconds of touching the ground.

      UNFORTUNATELY, THE FIVE-SECOND RULE IS A MYTH.

      2010, Sandy Donovan, Does an Apple a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

      3 more examples

      Accompanied by six graphs, two tables and equations whose terms include “bologna” and “carpet,” it’s a thorough microbiological study of the five-second rule: the idea that if you pick up a dropped piece of food before you can count to five, it’s O.K. to eat it.

      2007-05-09, Harold McGee, The New York Times, "The Five-Second Rule Explored, or How Dirty Is That Bologna?", page F3

      Here are five facts to remember for those who are tempted to apply the five-second rule.

      2012, William A. Dando, Food and Famine in the 21st Century, page 201

      Often, people call out the five-second rule because they think that if you get food off the floor quickly enough, there won't be any germs on it.

      2015, Curious George Discovers Germs

   2. ball gamesA rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball.
   3. ball gamesA rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds.