Meaning of five-second rule | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Any rule that allows or prohibits certain behavior for five seconds after some event, especially:
   informal
2. The belief that food dropped on the ground is still hygienic to eat provided it is picked up within five seconds of touching the ground.
   informal
3. A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball.
4. A rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds.

Equivalents

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.”

“UNFORTUNATELY, THE FIVE-SECOND RULE IS A MYTH.”

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

“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.”

CEFR level