federal case

noun

1. a matter that falls within the jurisdiction of a federal court or a federal law-enforcement agency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of federal case¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make a federal case (out) of, Informal. to exaggerate the importance of or make an issue out of (something trivial).

Example Sentences

She refused to engage on personal questions with a press corps that made a federal case of her headband.

From The Daily Beast

To say that the federal case filed in Boston is complex is an understatement.

From The Daily Beast

His retention may indicate any federal case could revolve around more than the perjury and obstruction charges.

From The Daily Beast

Although the police investigation was officially closed, Chief Reiter tried to stay abreast of the federal case against Epstein.

From The Daily Beast

You will have to get a certain number of names, as the petition has to go to Washington, because it was a Federal case.

From Project Gutenberg

The railroad company never could have won, and that's why they made it a Federal case.

From Project Gutenberg