gone case
Someone or something that is deemed irredeemable, hopeless and beyond help; a doomed person or thing.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That old car is a gone case, so do not buy it.”
“The project was such a gone case that the manager decided to cancel it entirely.”
“After the final negotiations failed, the diplomats realized the peace treaty was a gone case and prepared for the inevitable conflict.”
- 01
boldly go where no man has gone before
To break new ground.
- 02
build a case
to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.
- 03
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.
- 04
catch a case
To be infected with a disease; used with of.
- 05
closet case
A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.
- 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 fishing
Unavailable, having taken time off for recreation.
Last updated August 10, 2026