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open-and-shut case

noun

: a case open to no doubts as to the legal principles to be applied and the necessary result

Word History

Etymology

so called from the fact that it may be closed as soon as opened

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Cite this Entry

“Open-and-shut case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-and-shut%20case. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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