put case: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘put case’ mean?

The idiom "put case" means to consider or imagine a hypothetical situation or scenario.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding 'Put Case'

The idiom "put case" is not a widely known or frequently used idiom. It is relatively obscure and has limited usage in everyday language. Despite its lack of popularity, there are a few facts that can be gleaned about this idiom from available sources.

Firstly, "put case" is primarily a British idiom. It is mainly used and recognized within the context of British English. The idiom does not have widespread usage or understanding in other English-speaking countries, including the United States.

The meaning of "put case" is also somewhat obscure and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context. One possible interpretation is that it refers to presenting a hypothetical scenario or situation for the purpose of discussion or analysis.

There is limited information regarding the origin or etymology of the idiom "put case." The phrase "put case" itself does not reveal much about its origins, and there are no known historical anecdotes or literary references that shed light on its development.

Given the limited usage and lack of information about the idiom, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive analysis of its meaning and usage. However, it is clear that "put case" is a niche expression primarily used in British English and typically signifies presenting a hypothetical situation.

Categorize each item and put them in their case.

Despite its relative obscurity, the idiom "put case" presents an interesting linguistic phenomenon. It serves as a reminder that even within a well-studied domain like idioms, there are pockets of linguistic expressions that remain little-known or understudied. The existence of such idioms expands our understanding of language and the complexity of human communication.

Now let's explore how "put case" is related to other idioms.

One related idiom is "build a case." This phrase is often used in a legal context, where it refers to gathering evidence and arguments to support a particular position or argument. In a similar vein, "put case" can also be seen as presenting a hypothetical situation or scenario to build a case for a certain argument or analysis.

Another idiom that can be associated with "put case" is "put it to." This phrase is used when someone presents an idea or proposition for consideration or judgement. In a similar way, "put case" can be seen as putting forward a hypothetical scenario or situation for discussion or analysis.

When we "get down to cases," we are focusing on the essential or important aspects of a situation or problem. This idiom can be related to "put case" in the sense that when we put forward a hypothetical scenario, we are getting down to the core or essential elements of the discussion or analysis.

"put to the test" is another idiom that can be connected to "put case." When something is put to the test, it is subjected to examination, evaluation, or scrutiny. In a similar manner, when we put forward a hypothetical scenario or situation, we are essentially putting it to the test, analyzing its feasibility or consequences.

Lastly, we have the idiom "put forward," which means to propose or suggest something for consideration. This idiom is closely related to "put case" as both involve presenting a hypothetical scenario or situation for discussion or analysis. When we put forward a hypothetical case, we are essentially proposing it for consideration by others.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "put case" can be used in a sentence:

  1. "Put case that I can't make it to the meeting, please update the team on my behalf." (In this example, "put case" is used to suggest a hypothetical scenario or situation.)
  2. "I'm not saying it will happen, but put case they cancel the flights, we should have a backup plan." (Here, "put case" is used to consider a potential event or circumstance that may or may not occur.)
  3. "Let's put case that we win the lottery. What would be the first thing you would do?" (In this sentence, "put case" is employed to imagine a hypothetical situation for discussion.)

More "Verb" idioms