federal case

NOUN

minor problem made into a major issue

Synonyms

WEAK

big deal much ado about nothing storm in a teacup

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They didn’t do that because they wanted to have the trappings and the veneer of making it look as if it were a real federal case.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the state charges and a separate federal case.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Wang resigned from the City Council on Monday after reaching an agreement to resolve the federal case.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

In the past, they've asked Judge Carro to pause the proceedings while the federal case takes place, a request he has denied.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

They would have made a federal case out of it, getting upset, calling the cops .

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix