cold case

[ kohld keys ]

noun

1. a criminal investigation that has remained unsolved for an extended period of time:

   This year's award recipient is a state trooper whose work helped close a cold case from 1983.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cold case¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

A cold case opened up and the most violent gang in Japan may be shut down.

From The Daily Beast

Then, on January 3, according to court documents, Rachel came to police with a shocking break in the cold case.

From The Daily Beast

The cold case squad had officially taken over and it too embraced Baby Hope.

From The Daily Beast

After five years, the cold case into the British toddler who disappeared on a family holiday in Portugal is heating up.

From The Daily Beast

Arguably the greatest crime mystery of our time has become a cold case.

From The Daily Beast