Legal
An open and shut case
Meaning
A straightforward legal case in which the outcome is clear.
Examples
He was caught with the stolen money and the police had his picture at the crime scene on CCTV – it was an open and shut case.
Where did it originate?
USA, 19th century.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
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Give the slip
Meaning
To get away from. To escape.
Examples
He nearly caught us but we gave him the slip by ducking into the alley.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 16th century. In a translation of Virgil’s Aeneid.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
Just deserts
Meaning
The result which is deserved. A reward for what has been done – good or bad.
Examples
The British paedophile Jimmy Saville abused hundreds of victims but died before the truth came out. Some say he evaded his just deserts.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 13th century. (note: the spelling is ‘deserts’, not ‘desserts’.
Where is it used?
Hear the idiom spoken
How the idiom originated
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