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 has pleaded not guilty to the state charges and a separate federal case.

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

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

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

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