open-and-shut

adjective

ˈō-pən-ən(d)-ˈshət 

1

: perfectly simple : obvious

2

: easily settled

an open-and-shut case of grand larceny

Synonyms of open-and-shut

• obvious
• apparent
• straightforward
• unmistakable
• evident
• clear
• distinct

Examples of open-and-shut in a Sentence

an open-and-shut case of robbery

Recent Examples on the Web

For most leagues, this would be an open-and-shut case; a ban from the sport would never be challenged. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

So, it really wasn’t suspected … POWELL Sounds like an open-and-shut case. — Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026

Her payments were spotty, the lawyer said, but overall, the case had been open-and-shut. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026

The first ballot Hall of Fame defender who won the Norris Trophy in Vancouver, to me, should be an open-and-shut jersey retirement case. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

open-and-shut

adjective

ˌōp-(ə-)nən-ˈshət

1

: perfectly plain : obvious

2

: easily settled

an open-and-shut case