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 .

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in case

Police say this cash funds the prize money and covers expenses, such as a pool of vehicles and even court costs in case the hare coursers are raided.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026

“So far, no evidence has been found to indicate that it originated here, yet we are taking every precaution in case that turns out to be the case,” Kershenobich said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

I had about six months’ worth of money in my emergency fund in case something like this happened, but it’s looking like I’ll be unemployed for longer than six months.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

"We had already packed suitcases just in case, but they gave us only two minutes and carefully checked that nobody was still inside the house," she said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

And I do not want to write down more in this letter, in case someone reads it who shouldn’t be reading it.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan