in case
Idioms-
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]
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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 .
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.
Anna and Liam each have $500 saved in case there’s an unexpected expense.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
“That was a funny part I laughed at,” he noted — but he still had to read them, just in case any seemed legitimate.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026
It cites Britain's national emergencies ministerm, Angela Eagle, who advises "storing food and water in case of winter power cuts".
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
And in case you didn’t know, “duvateen” is the fabric they use on movie sets to completely block out the light.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
“Also, spearfishing is illegal there, in case you were wondering.”
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
