closet case
A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is a closet case who hides his true self from everyone.”
“She felt sorry for her friend, who remained a closet case because he feared his family would reject him.”
“Despite the growing acceptance in his social circle, he remained a closet case, trapped by the internalized shame he had carried since his youth.”
first recorded 20th c.
From *closet* + *case*, first appearing in print in 1946 within the pages of the Washington Post.
- 01
build a case
to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.
- 02
case the joint
To thoroughly observe or examine a place, in order to familiarize oneself with its workings in preparation for criminal activity, often robbery.
- 03
catch a case
To be infected with a disease; used with of.
- 04
come out of the broom closet
To publicly reveal that one is a Wiccan or some other type of neopagan.
- 05
come out of the closet
To disclose to others about one's sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity, where previously this had been kept secret.
- 06
federal case
An exaggerated ordeal; excessive fuss or indignation about some situation.
- 07
get down to cases
Synonym of get down to brass tacks.
- 08
gone case
Someone or something that is deemed irredeemable, hopeless and beyond help; a doomed person or thing.
Last updated August 10, 2026