SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

open-and-shut case

noun
Save Word

Definition of open-and-shut case

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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for open-and-shut case

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about open-and-shut case

Statistics for open-and-shut case

Cite this Entry

“Open-and-shut case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-and-shut%20case. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on open-and-shut case

What made you want to look up open-and-shut case? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

slipshod

Listen to the pronunciation of slipshod

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

  • cats on impossible timber
  • The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games