Phrase Finder

Idioms · 3 entries

Legal

What does "Legal" mean?

A straightforward legal case in which the outcome is clear.

An open and shut case

USA, 19th century.

Give the slip

Britain, 16th century. In a translation of Virgil’s Aeneid.

Just deserts

Britain - 13th century. (note: the spelling is ‘deserts’, not ‘desserts’.

Entry 1

An open and shut case

Meaning A straightforward legal case in which the outcome is clear.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • 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.

Pronunciation

Entry 2

Give the slip

Meaning To get away from. To escape.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • He nearly caught us but we gave him the slip by ducking into the alley.

Pronunciation

Entry 3

Just deserts

Meaning The result which is deserved. A reward for what has been done - good or bad.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • The British paedophile Jimmy Saville abused hundreds of victims but died before the truth came out. Some say he evaded his just deserts.

Pronunciation