five-second rule

1. Any rule that allows or prohibits certain behavior for five seconds after some event, especially:

   (разговорное)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.

2. A rule that a closely-guarded player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds without dribbling, passing, rolling, or shooting the ball.

3. A rule that a player who throws in the ball from out of bounds must get rid of it in less than five seconds.

правильный