# build a case

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/build-a-case
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.

## Examples

- The police are building a case against the thief.
- The lawyer spent months interviewing witnesses to build a case against the corrupt company.
- The investigative journalist meticulously gathered documents to build a case against the senator for his involvement in the scandal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.