plead the fifth

present singular third person pleads the fifth · participle present pleading the fifth · participle past pled the fifth · past pled the fifth · participle past pleaded the fifth · past pleaded the fifth

1. Alternative letter-case form of plead the Fifth (both senses)

   Synonyms: take the fifth

present singular third person pleads the Fifth · participle present pleading the Fifth · participle past pled the Fifth · past pled the Fifth · participle past pleaded the Fifth · past pleaded the Fifth · alternative assert one's Fifth Amendment privilege · alternative plead the fifth

1. USlawTo invoke the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves.
2. broadlyhumorousinformalTo refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak especially when the response would be embarrassing or uncomfortable.

   Yo ain't no city in the world like this // An' if you ask how I know, I gots ta plead the fifth (1998, Miami (Will Smith song))

   Synonyms: take the fifth