Definition of “Five by five”
Five by five is a term used to describe radio reception that is loud and clear on a scale of 1 to 5. It originates from the system of giving a radio signal strength rating using two numbers, the first number indicating the signal’s clarity and the second number denoting its strength. A five by five rating means that the signal is the clearest and strongest possible.
The term has since expanded beyond just radio communications and is now used to describe anything that is operating smoothly or going well. It can be used to reassure someone that everything is under control or to signal that things are going as expected. In addition, the phrase has been adopted in popular culture, appearing in movies, television shows and video games. Its versatility and brevity have made it a popular phrase across various industries and contexts.
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