open-and-shut

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.

Our reviewer, Steven Poole, wrote that “the book proceeds like a convoluted murder mystery, introducing one suspect after another in what seems like an open-and-shut case, before puncturing the promising narrative with an inconvenient fact.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

But what seemed like an open-and-shut case dragged on for nearly a decade.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

And it’s difficult to envision four members of the current court agreeing to do so given the open-and-shut failure of Davis’ main argument.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025

As such, it would seem to be close to an open-and-shut case: If you want a healthy night's sleep, stay away from electronic devices in the period before you go to bed.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2023

“I just meant that it was pretty open-and-shut with your dad. No one questioned whether it was right or wrong.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro