five-second rule

Noun

 * 1) Any rule that allows or prohibits certain behavior for five seconds after some event, especially:
 * 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.
 * 3) * 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.
 * 1)  A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball.
 * 2)  A rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds.
 * 1)  A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball.
 * 2)  A rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds.
 * 1)  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

 * Japanese: 3秒ルール (three-second rule, dropped food), 5秒ルール (five-second rule, basketball)