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 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

This is similar to another federal case against Uber a few years ago that helped set up the precedent for the current case.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

“She didn’t have to go make a federal case out of it.”

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