Open and shut case
Meaning
A situation, typically a legal one, where the facts are so clear and indisputable that the outcome is certain and requires no further investigation.
Origin
The phrase 'open and shut case' vividly emerged from the legal lexicon, painting a picture of a court proceeding so undeniably clear that it required no prolonged deliberation. Imagine a legal file or dossier—it's opened, and instantly, the evidence presented is so overwhelming, so irrefutable, that there's no need for further investigation or debate. The conclusion is obvious from the first glance, making the case essentially shut before it even truly begins. This powerful metaphor quickly transcended the courtroom, becoming a universal descriptor for any situation where the facts are so indisputable that the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
Examples
- Given the security footage and the witness testimonies, the robbery was an open and shut case for the police.
- The manager declared it an open and shut case of negligence after seeing the damaged equipment and the operator's training records.