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Synonyms

federal case

American  

noun

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


idioms

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

Etymology

Origin of federal case

First recorded in 1950–55

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.

See Examples For:

Luigi Mangione who is accused of killing a health insurance boss in Manhattan may plead guilty to stalking charges in his federal case, The New York Times reported Thursday.

From Barron's Aug. 13, 2026

The “deputy” said Fudge had missed jury duty in a federal case despite signing a document promising to appear.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 9, 2026

That can happen in civil litigation: Sometimes you have a private agreement, where both sides agree that they want to get rid of the case before they make a federal case out of it.

From Slate Jun. 9, 2026

The Orange County district attorney’s office had originally charged Jennings in connection to the shooting but dismissed the case to allow for the federal case to proceed, according to the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 9, 2026

“She didn’t have to go make a federal case out of it.”

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

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