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.

In the federal case, the judge ruled that prosecutors could use the backpack evidence in question.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Each has also pleaded guilty in the federal case.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Yet the federal case against Smith-Griffin began before Trump took office.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

However, technology industry groups that count Google, Meta and Snap among their members are continuing with a federal case against the law.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

We cheered and Vonetta said, “Let’s not make a federal case out of it.”

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia