# case the joint

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/case-the-joint
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To thoroughly observe or examine a place, in order to familiarize oneself with its workings in preparation for criminal activity, often robbery.

## Examples

- The suspicious man was casing the joint before the store closed.
- The security guard noticed a stranger casing the joint, so he called the police immediately.
- The thieves spent several days casing the joint, carefully noting the shift changes and the blind spots in the security camera coverage.

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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.