ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gone case

idiom
Meaning

Someone or something that is deemed irredeemable, hopeless and beyond help; a doomed person or thing.


Examples
SIMPLE

That old car is a gone case, so do not buy it.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was such a gone case that the manager decided to cancel it entirely.

COMPLEX

After the final negotiations failed, the diplomats realized the peace treaty was a gone case and prepared for the inevitable conflict.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  2. 02

    build a case

    to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    catch a case

    To be infected with a disease; used with of.

  5. 05

    closet case

    A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.

  6. 06

    federal case

    An exaggerated ordeal; excessive fuss or indignation about some situation.

  7. 07

    gone fishing

    Unavailable, having taken time off for recreation.

  8. 08

    gone north about

    Dead, of sailor or seaman whose cause of death was anything except by drowning.

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