five-second rule (food hygiene myth)
Refers to the popular belief that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds. Often used humorously.
I picked up the cookie I dropped on the floor and said, 'It's okay, five-second rule.'
five-second rule (basketball)
In basketball, a rule requiring a player to pass, shoot, or dribble within five seconds when closely guarded, or when inbounding the ball.
In the basketball game, the player violated the five-second rule and the other team got the ball.