case

1 /keIs/ noun

1 EXAMPLE (C) an example of a particular situation, problem etc: In some cases, it is necessary to operate.

(+ of): an extreme case of anorexia | case in point (=a clear example of a situation, problem etc that you are discussing or explaining): This latest policy is a case in point. | classic case of (=a typical example of a situation, problem etc): a classic case of food poisoning

2 SITUATION (countable usually singular) a situation that exists, especially as it affects a particular person or group: be the case: This was found to be the case in many third-world countries. | it is the case (that): It is simply not the case that standards have fallen. | in sb's case: In Sandra's case, the reasons are less easy to pinpoint. | I'm not supposed to let anyone in without a card, but I'll make an exception in your case. | understate/overstate the case (=make a situation seem less or more serious than it really is)

3 in that case spoken used to describe what you will do, or what will happen, as a result of a particular situation or event: "I'm afraid I can't come after all." "Well, in that case I'm not going either."

4 in any case spoken used to say that a fact or part of a situation stays the same even if other things change: We have to go past your house in any case, so we'll take you home.

5 (just) in case especially spoken

a) as a way of being safe from something that might happen or might be true: Take an umbrella, in case it rains. | I'm sure Harry will remember, but why not give him a ring just in case?

b) AmE if: In case I'm late, start without me.

6 it's a case of spoken used before describing a situation, especially the one you are now in: We don't want to sell the car, but it's a case of having to. | It's a case of too many people and not enough jobs.

7 in case of used to describe what you should do in a particular situation, especially on official notices: In case of fire, break the glass.

8 BOX/CONTAINER (C)

a) a large box or container in which things can be stored or moved: a packing case | a case of wine

b) a special box used as a container for holding or protecting something: a jewellery case | The exhibits were all in glass cases.

c) BrE a suitcase: Shall I take your cases down to the car?

-see also: bookcase, briefcase, pillowcase

9 LAW/CRIME (C)

a) a question or problem that will be dealt with by a law court: a libel case | win/lose a case: They lost their case in the High Court, and had to pay damages.

b) all the reasons that one side in a legal argument can give against the other side: the case for the prosecution | have a case (=have enough good arguments to go to a law court): The police have a clear case against him.

c) an event or set of events that need to be dealt with by the police: investigating a murder case | be on the case (=be in charge of dealing with a particular crime): Inspector Hacker is on the case.

10 REASON/ARGUMENT (C, U) the facts, arguments, or reasons for doing something, supporting something etc

(+ for/against): the case against hanging | There may be a case for abandoning the scheme altogether. | make out a case for (=provide good reasons for something): I'm sure we can make out a good case for a pay rise.

11 get off my case spoken used to tell someone to stop criticizing you or complaining about you: OK, OK, just get off my case already!

12 be on sb's case informal to be criticizing someone continuously: Dad's always on my case about something or another.

13 PERSON (C) someone who is being dealt with by a doctor, a social worker, the police etc

-see also: sad case sad (4), nutcase, basket-case

14 GRAMMAR (C, U) technical the way in which the form of a word changes, showing its relationship to other words in a sentence: case endings

-see also: lower case, upper case 2 verb (T)

1 be cased in to be completely surrounded by a material or substance: The reactor will be cased in metal.

2 case the joint slang to look around a place that you intend to steal from in order to find out information

-see also: casing