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

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

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

She’d make a big federal case out of it like Big Ma had and write back and say things that made me feel bad or want to scratch my head.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia