five-by-five

Definition

Loud and clear.

Etymology

From radio communications phrase dating from the 1950s. The first five referred to a rating of signal clarity, the other to reception strength. See Signal strength and readability report on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Example Sentences

• ""Hon, are you getting good data from us?" "Five-by-five." "Any sign of hostiles?" "Nope." "Can I get a few more syllables from you?""
• "McInnis nodded, and Carter keyed the mic. "CAONCI-Site-43 calling Overwatch Command," he intoned in his best radio voice. Veiksaar smirked. "CAONCI-Site-43, Overwatch Command. Do you read?" The response came immediately, to the visible relief of all nine of them. Even Wettle. "Five by five, CAONCI-Site-43. Five by five.""