He decided to take the fifth when asked about the missing money.
take the fifth
idiomTo decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
Origin
disputed originA reference to the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which, among other provisions (e.g., prohibition of double jeopardy), protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves (i.e., self-incrimination).
During the intense investigation, the witness chose to take the fifth rather than answer questions about his business partners.
Faced with aggressive questioning that threatened to expose his past indiscretions, the executive opted to take the fifth to avoid providing evidence against himself.
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cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 02
fifth wheel
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
- 03
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 04
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 05
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 06
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
- 07
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.
- 08
let nature take its course
To permit events to proceed or a situation to develop without intervention or interference.