five-second rule

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === five-second rule (plural five-second rules) Any rule that allows or prohibits certain behavior for five seconds after some event, especially: (informal) 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. 2007-05-09, Harold McGee, The New York Times, "The Five-Second Rule Explored, or How Dirty Is That Bologna?", page F3 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. (basketball) A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball. (basketball) A rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds. ==== Related terms ==== two-second rule three-second rule ten-second rule ==== Translations ====