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.

Mangione is also charged in a separate federal case, in which he has also pleaded not guilty.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

They argue that has given him a better understanding of what makes a strong federal case and how to communicate legal realities to the boss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

The federal case carries the same potential punishment after a US judge barred prosecutors in late January from seeking the death penalty against Mangione.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

But what hope had the West Computers of making a federal case out of something so banal as a cafeteria sign?

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly