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 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

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

Legal experts say the testimony is designed to build the federal case against Combs, even if on the surface it does not appear directly related to the charges he’s facing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

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