federal case

noun

: big deal
don't make a federal case out of it

Examples of federal case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These baseless federal cases were pursued 3,000 miles away from where OZY was based, and things went from bad to worse when a conflicted and unethical judge took control. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 With several lawsuits in the mix, the proceedings have been consolidated into one federal case in the Southern District of New York. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 Brennan said he was given explicit permission from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston to disclose that the federal case was closed. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2025 The new policy was included as an exhibit in the federal case of Talbott v. Trump, a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's Jan. 27 executive order that rolled back the previous policy allowing transgender service members to serve in the military. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for federal case

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of federal case was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Federal case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federal%20case. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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