in case

Idioms  

1. Also, just in case . If it should happen that. For example, In case he doesn't show up, we have a backup speaker . The variant also is used without a following clause to mean simply “as a precaution,” as in I took an umbrella just in case . [c. 1400]

2. in case of ; in the event of . If there should happen to be. For example, Here is a number to call in case of an emergency , or In the event of a power failure, we'll have to shift our plans . Similarly, in that case means “if that should happen,” as in You're alone in the store? In that case I'll bring your lunch . The first usage dates from the early 1700s, the second (with event ) from about 1600, and the third from the mid-1800s. Also see in any case ; in no case ; in the case of .

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Example Sentences

Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen told AFP military investment and preparedness had been ramped up in case the neighbours become "aggressive in the future".

From Barron's

It favors defensive sectors such as public power and water and sewer utilities for their essential nature and predictable cashflows in case the economy struggles, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another is not to leave messages in case they can't be understood.

From BBC

And he told AFP on Friday that Kyiv wants European troops -- earmarked to be deployed in Ukraine in case of a halt in fighting -- to be positioned close to the front.

From Barron's

If liquidity is always available at a predictable price, banks won’t need massive deposits at the Fed “just in case.”

From Barron's