plead the fifth

English

Verb

plead the fifth (third-person singular simple present pleads the fifth, present participle pleading the fifth, simple past and past participle pled or pleaded the fifth; see plead)

1. (idiomatic) To refuse to answer a question, or refuse to speak, especially when the response would reflect badly on the speaker.
2. (law, US) Alternative spelling of plead the Fifth.

Synonyms

• take the fifth

References

• The Free Dictionary