case
noun OPAL WOPAL S
/keɪs/
/keɪs/
Idioms - [countable] a particular situation or a situation of a particular type
- in… cases In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
- In most cases the increases have been marginal.
- In many cases it is the pressure of the job that causes managers to behave like this.
- What should be done in such cases?
- The substances causes nausea, sickness and, in extreme cases, death.
- in cases of something The company only dismisses its employees in cases of gross misconduct.
- in the case of something In the case of banks, the law can limit activities.
- Sometimes compost isn't enough, in which case artificial products may have to be used.
- a case of something It's a classic case (= a very typical case) of bad planning.
- This appears to be a case of mistaken identity.
Synonyms exampleexample- case
- instance
- specimen
- illustration
- example something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set:
- Can you give me an example of what you mean?
- case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:
- In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
- instance (rather formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:
- The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.
- specimen an example of something, especially an animal or plant:
- The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.
- illustration (rather formal) a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about something:
- The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.
- a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of something
- in a particular case/instance
- for example/instance
Synonyms situationsituation- circumstances
- position
- conditions
- things
- the case
- state of affairs
- situation all the things that are happening at a particular time and in a particular place:
- the present economic situation
- circumstances the facts that are connected with and affect a situation, an event or an action; the conditions of a person’s life, especially the money they have:
- The ship sank in mysterious circumstances.
- position the situation that somebody is in, especially when it affects what they can and cannot do:
- She felt she was in a position of power.
- conditions the circumstances in which people live, work or do things; the physical situation that affects how something happens:
- We were forced to work outside in freezing conditions.
- things (rather informal) the general situation, as it affects somebody:
- Hi, Jane! How are things?
- Think things over before you decide.
- the case the true situation:
- If that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff.
- state of affairs a situation:
- How did this unhappy state of affairs come about?
- in (a) particular situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
- the/somebody’s economic/financial/social situation/circumstances/position/conditions
- (a/an) happy/unhappy situation/circumstances/position/state of affairs
- to look at/review the situation/the circumstances/the conditions/things
Extra Examples- Except in a few rare cases, bee stings are not dangerous.
- It was a simple case of mistaken identity.
- The committee has full powers to deal with any cases of malpractice that arise.
- There have been documented cases of officials accepting bribes.
- a case of animal cruelty
- cases alleging violations of international law
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- classic
- textbook
- typical
- …
- illustrate
- show
- cite
- …
- arise
- occur
- study
- example
- in somebody’s/this case
- case of
- case by case
- a case in point
- the case[singular] the true situation
- be the case If that is the case (= if the situation described is true), we need more staff.
- it's the case that… It is simply not the case that prison conditions are improving.
- It remains the case that not enough graduates are going into teaching.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + the case- be
- remain
- overstate
- …
- [countable, usually singular] a situation that relates to a particular person or thing
- in somebody's case I cannot make an exception in your case (= for you and not for others).
- In your case, we are prepared to be lenient.
- in this case Don't underestimate the power of the pen, or in this case, the power of the keyboard.
- In the present case, the facts are not disputed.
- Every application will be decided on a case-by-case basis (= each one will be considered separately).
Synonyms exampleexample- case
- instance
- specimen
- illustration
- example something such as an object, a fact or a situation that shows, explains or supports what you say; a thing that is typical of or represents a particular group or set:
- Can you give me an example of what you mean?
- case a particular situation or a situation of a particular type; a situation that relates to a particular person or thing:
- In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
- instance (rather formal) a particular situation or a situation of a particular type:
- The report highlights a number of instances of injustice.
- specimen an example of something, especially an animal or plant:
- The aquarium has some interesting specimens of unusual tropical fish.
- illustration (rather formal) a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about something:
- The statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make.
- a(n) example/case/instance/specimen/illustration of something
- in a particular case/instance
- for example/instance
Extra Examples- In her case, she failed the exam because she wasn't well.
- He highlighted the case of Harry Farr, who was executed in 1916.
- Complaints are dealt with on a case by case basis.
- The teacher must judge each case according to its merits.
- Let's consider the case of a dealer trying to make a sale.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- classic
- textbook
- typical
- …
- illustrate
- show
- cite
- …
- arise
- occur
- study
- example
- in somebody’s/this case
- case of
- case by case
- a case in point
- [countable] a matter that is being officially investigated, especially by the police
- They never solved the Jones murder case.
- Police believe it is a simple case of theft.
- Four officers are investigating the case.
Collocations CrimeCrimeCommitting a crimesee also cold case- commit a crime/a murder/a violent assault/a brutal killing/an armed robbery/fraud
- be involved in terrorism/a suspected arson attack/people smuggling/human trafficking
- engage/participate in criminal activity/illegal practices/acts of mindless vandalism
- steal somebody’s wallet/purse/(British English) mobile phone/(North American English) cell phone
- rob a bank/a person/a tourist
- break into/ (British English) burgle/ (North American English) burglarize a house/a home/an apartment
- hijack a plane/ship/bus
- smuggle drugs/weapons/arms/immigrants
- launder drug money (through something)
- forge documents/certificates/passports
- take/accept/pay somebody/offer (somebody) a bribe
- run a phishing/an email/an internet scam
- combat/fight crime/terrorism/corruption/drug trafficking
- prevent/stop credit-card fraud/child abuse/software piracy
- deter/stop criminals/burglars/thieves/shoplifters/vandals
- reduce/tackle/crack down on knife/gun/violent/street crime; (especially British English) antisocial behaviour
- foil a bank raid/a terrorist plot
- help/support/protect the victims of crime
- report a crime/a theft/a rape/an attack/(especially British English) an incident to the police
- witness the crime/attack/murder/incident
- investigate a murder/(especially North American English) a homicide/a burglary/a robbery/the alleged incident
- conduct/launch/pursue an investigation (into…); (especially British English) a police/murder inquiry
- investigate/reopen a criminal/murder case
- examine/investigate/find fingerprints at the crime scene/the scene of crime
- collect/gather forensic evidence
- uncover new evidence/a fraud/a scam/a plot/a conspiracy/political corruption/a cache of weapons
- describe/identify a suspect/the culprit/the perpetrator/the assailant/the attacker
- question/interrogate a suspect/witness
- solve/crack the case
Extra ExamplesTopics Crime and punishmentb1- The case hinged on the evidence of the only witness to the killing.
- This was the hardest case she had handled since becoming a lawyer.
- the notorious case of the Botley strangler
- The book is about the notorious case of the Lindbergh kidnapping.
- He was looking through some homicide case files.
- The judge ruled that the defendant had no case to answer, as the evidence had been discredited.
- As a lawyer he was involved in high-profile divorce cases.
- Carter was the senior case officer on the investigation.
- The case raises a number of issues.
- No lawyer would take his case.
- a compensation case involving thousands of workers
- The disciplinary committee considered the merits of his case before fining him.
- The union has taken up the case of the suspended worker.
- The local MP has taken up the case of the family of six who have been left homeless.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- notorious
- tragic
- assault
- …
- handle
- investigate
- work on
- …
- file
- report
- officer
- …
- on the case
- case of
- [countable] a question to be decided in court
- a court case
- a criminal/civil case
- The case will be heard next week.
- The Supreme Court heard the case yesterday.
- to win/lose a case
- When does her case come before the court?
Extra ExamplesTopics Law and justiceb1- the evidence in the case
- She lost the case and was ordered to pay legal fees.
- The case against her collapsed when a key witness was proved to have lied.
- The case came before Judge Hales in the Crown Court.
- The case will be heard in a higher court.
- The case was thrown out for lack of evidence.
- The case was settled out of court.
- The jury are required to be unanimous in death-penalty cases.
- He brought a case challenging the legality of the war.
- He brought the case to the Supreme Court.
- The prosecution decided to drop the case.
- He was so clearly innocent, the case should never have gone to court.
- The victim decided to bring a case of rape against him.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- court
- criminal
- civil
- …
- bring
- prosecute
- pursue
- …
- come before somebody
- come to court
- go to court
- …
- in a/the case
- case against
- case of
- …
- a case to answer
- no case to answer
- the circumstances of a case
- …
- [countable, usually singular] a set of facts or arguments that support one side in a trial, a discussion, etc.
- Our lawyer didn't think we had a case (= had enough good arguments to win in a court of law).
- case for something the case for the defence/prosecution
- case against somebody/something The case against her was very weak.
- Let us consider the case for and against private education.
- case for doing something The report makes out a strong case (= gives good arguments) for spending more money on hospitals.
- He successfully argued the case for accepting the agreement.
- case that… They try to make the case that this war is necessary.
- You will each be given the change to state your case.
Extra ExamplesTopics Opinion and argumentb2- The defendant requested more time to prepare his case.
- There is a good prima facie case for believing what she says.
- What evidence do you have to support your case?
- The new evidence weakened the case for the defence.
- I thought she argued her case very well.
- I agree with him, but don't you think he slightly overstates the case?
- You can make out a case for changing our teaching methods.
- With his current superb form, he presents an unanswerable case for selection in the team.
- a case against wearing business attire
- The report makes out a strong case for spending more money on hospitals.
- Is there a case against wearing school uniforms?
- A strong case exists for adopting a similar system in this country.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- compelling
- convincing
- good
- …
- have
- prepare
- outline
- …
- exist
- case against
- case for
- the case for the defence/defense
- the case for the prosecution
- the merits of a case
- …
enlarge image[countable] (often in compounds) a container or cover used to protect or store things; a container with its contents or the amount that it contains- a jewellery case
- The museum was full of stuffed animals in glass cases.
- case of something a case (= 12 bottles) of champagne
Extra Examples- He put the binoculars back in their carrying case.
- She kept all her trophies in a display case.
- The winner will receive a case of champagne.
- a gold watch in a presentation case
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- carrying
- packing
- glass
- …
- in a/the case
- inside a/the case
- out of a/the case
- …
- (also suitcase)[countable] a container with flat sides and a handle, used for carrying clothes, etc. when you are travelling
- Let me carry your case for you.
Extra Examples- a packing case
- They put their cases in the boot and drove off.
- She wanted to pack her case and leave immediately.
- I left my cases at the hotel and set off to meet him.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- attaché
- overnight
- [countable] case (of something) the fact of somebody having a disease or an injury; a person suffering from a disease or an injury
- a severe case of food poisoning
- Over 130 000 cases of cholera were reported in 2016.
- The most serious cases were treated at the scene of the accident.
Extra Examples- He had contracted a severe case of pneumonia.
- He claims there has never been a case of food poisoning at his restaurant.
- Two million new cases of hypertension are diagnosed each year.
- There have been no confirmed cases of BSE in the US.
- The Department of Health reported five human cases of bird flu.
- He had a bad case of appendicitis.
- About 25% of AIDS cases are linked with the sharing of needles.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- acute
- chronic
- advanced
- …
- diagnose
- report
- history
- notes
- records
- …
- case of
- [countable] a person who needs, or is thought to need, special treatment or attention
- He's a hopeless case.
- After the exams, the teacher gave all borderline cases a spoken test.
- [countable, uncountable] the form of a noun, an adjective or a pronoun in some languages, that shows its relationship to another word
- the nominative/accusative/genitive case
- Latin nouns have case, number and gender.
- In Polish the verb ‘to be’ takes the instrumental case.
Wordfinder- case
- conjugate
- gender
- grammar
- inflect
- noun
- part of speech
- singular
- subject
- tense
situation
police investigation
in court
arguments
container
of disease
person
grammar
Word Originnoun senses 1 to 6 and noun senses 9 to 11 Middle English: from Old French cas, from Latin casus ‘fall’, related to cadere ‘to fall’; in sense (11) directly from Latin, translating Greek ptōsis, literally ‘fall’. noun senses 7 to 8 late Middle English: from Old French casse, chasse (modern caisse ‘trunk, chest’, châsse ‘reliquary, frame’), from Latin capsa, related to capere ‘to hold’.
Idioms
as the case may be
- used to say that one of two or more possibilities is true, but which one is true depends on the circumstances
- There may be an announcement about this tomorrow—or not, as the case may be.
be on somebody’s case
- (informal) to criticize somebody all the time
- She's always on my case about cleaning my room.
be on the case
- to be dealing with a particular matter, especially a criminal investigation
- We have two agents on the case.
a case in point
- a clear example of the problem, situation, etc. that is being discussed
- Many professions feel they deserve higher pay, and nurses are a case in point.
Language Bank e.g.e.g.Giving examples- The website has a variety of interactive exercises (e.g. matching games, crosswords and quizzes).
- The website has a variety of interactive exercises, including matching games, crosswords and quizzes.
- Internet technologies, such as wikis, blogs and social networking sites, have changed the way that people find information and interact with it.
- Many websites allow users to contribute information. A good example of this is the ‘wiki’, a type of website that anyone can edit.
- Wikis vary in how open they are. For example, some wikis allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.
- Wikis vary in how open they are. Some wikis, for example/for instance, allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.
- More and more people read their news on the internet. To take one example, over 14 million people now read the online version of ‘The Oxford Herald’.
- Online newspapers are now more popular than paper ones. ‘The Oxford Herald’ is a case in point. Its print circulation has fallen in recent years, while its website attracts millions of users every month.
(a case of) dog eat dog
- a situation in business, politics, etc. where there is a lot of competition and people are willing to harm each other in order to succeed
- I'm afraid in this line of work it's a case of dog eat dog.
- We're operating in a dog-eat-dog world.
get off my case
- (informal) used to tell somebody to stop criticizing you
in any case
- whatever happens or may have happened
- There's no point complaining now—we're leaving tomorrow in any case.
(just) in case (…)
- because of the possibility of something happening
- You'd better take the keys in case I'm out.
- You probably won't need to call—but take my number, just in case.
- In case (= if it is true that) you’re wondering why Jo’s here—let me explain…
in case of something
- (often on official notices) if something happens
- In case of fire, ring the alarm bell.
in that case
- if that happens or has happened; if that is the situation
- ‘I’ve made up my mind.’ ‘In that case, there’s no point discussing it.’
rest your case
- I rest my case (sometimes humorous) used to say that you do not need to say any more about something because you think that you have proved your point
- (law) used by lawyers in court to say that they have finished presenting their case
- The prosecution rests its case.