federal case
An exaggerated ordeal; excessive fuss or indignation about some situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It was just a small mistake, so do not make a federal case.”
“You do not need to make a federal case every time I am late.”
“I forgot to buy milk, but my roommate is making a federal case out of it.”
“The customer made a federal case because the waiter forgot to bring extra napkins for the table.”
“My brother makes a federal case out of a tiny scratch on his car as if the whole vehicle is ruined.”
“Although the error was entirely trivial, the manager insisted on making a federal case of the incident, much to the annoyance of his staff.”
The term originates from the legal system of the United States of America, where courts with federal jurisdiction are reserved for offenses of a significantly more serious nature than those addressed by local courts. Over the course of the 20th century, the disparity between these jurisdictions provided the basis for the idiom, as moving a matter into a federal court implied a gravity that local proceedings lacked.
- 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
closet case
A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.
- 05
get down to cases
Synonym of get down to brass tacks.
- 06
gone case
Someone or something that is deemed irredeemable, hopeless and beyond help; a doomed person or thing.
- 07
I rest my case
The previous statement or proclamation encapsulates my view.
- 08
make a case
To argue for a set of facts or arguments in support of one side in a legal case.
Last updated August 10, 2026