ten-second rule
The 'ten-second rule' has various interpretations depending on the context, ranging from social etiquette to sports and food safety.
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Definition
B2Sports
(technical)A regulation requiring a team to move the ball past a specific point within ten seconds to avoid a penalty.
Example
- In basketball, the team must cross the half-court line within ten seconds or lose possession.
C1Etiquette
(social)A principle suggesting you can retract a statement if you realize it was inappropriate within ten seconds of saying it.
Example
- She quickly apologized, invoking the ten-second rule after her thoughtless comment.
B1Food
(informal)A belief that food dropped on the floor is still safe to eat if picked up within ten seconds.
Example
- He picked up the cookie from the floor, claiming the ten-second rule.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ten-second rule":