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Discover LudwigThe phrase "take the Fifth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, allowing a person to refuse to answer questions that may incriminate them. Example: "When asked about his involvement in the incident, he chose to take the Fifth rather than risk revealing too much."
Dictionary
take the Fifth
verb
To decline to comment, especially on grounds that it might be incriminating.
Exact(59)
Today, the Republican-led Energy and Commerce Committee is investigating Solyndra, forcing its executives to take the Fifth Amendment, and releasing embarrassing White House e-mails.
A top aide to former Attorney General John Ashcroft may take the Fifth to avoid testifying against a GOP lobbyist involved in the Jack Abramoff scandal.
The Gemological Institute of America, an important pillar of the industry, has agreed to take the fifth floor.
"He refused to answer questions on the basis that 'the Bank of America didn't want me to.' You can take the Fifth Amendment or you can answer questions.
"I don't take the Fifth".
"I take the Fifth Amendment," he said.
"No, I take the Fifth," she said.
Message to President Trump: Please take the Fifth.
"I take the Fifth," she said through a Spanish interpreter.
Their lawyers would be fools if they didn't insist that their clients take the Fifth Amendment.
(As a criminal suspect, he could take the Fifth and refuse to answer questions).
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com