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Case and Point (Meaning, Origin, Grammar, Examples)

What does “case and point” mean? An idiom is a group of words or sentences that reveals a different meaning or special meaning when the sentence is composed. By using them, the language becomes attractive, practical, and engaging. “Case and point” is a sentence or phrase called an idiom.

In this article, we will learn about the meaning of “case and point.” And see examples of how it gets used in modern American English.

Let’s get started…

Case and point
Case and point

Meaning of Case and Point

The idiom “case and point” is not frequently used. It is believed that the phrase “Case and Point” is misspelled. The correct phrase is “Case in Point.” It is considered to be a spelling mistake. A case in point is a particular illustration of the subject being described.

A case in point was a term used in court to describe a case related to the one being tried at the time. This phrase dates back to the middle of the sixteenth century. A case in point is anything that perfectly exemplifies an issue outside the courtroom.

“Case in Point” is considered a fossil phrase. A fossil phrase no longer makes meaning on its own, and only appears in idioms. Perhaps this is why some individuals mistakenly believe it is a case and point. The sounds are comparable. Although you may argue that case and point make sense, case in point is the correct expression.

Case and point
Case and point

Examples of Using “Case and Point” or “Case in Point”

Here I am giving some examples of using “case and point” or “case in point” below:

“Neil spends a lot of money on pointless items. His collection of antiques is a case in point.”

“A case in point is the black and white striped suit, which is the first thing you’ll see while browsing the clothing website’s one-piece area.”

“Love them or hate them, their journey serves as a case in point of how the music industry is changing and how the internet has leveled the playing field.”

“The thorough testing that is conducted on pharmaceutical items serves as a case in point.”

“Jacob’s career is a case in point that anyone can have a successful business.”

“The North American Indian language Kiowa is another case in point.”

“A case in point is how Iran and gender dynamics are portrayed in Jafar Panahi’s The Circle.”

“A case in point of this is the tornadoes that ravaged the American heartland last week.”

“One case in point is the Irish problem, which reappeared the day after the election with a vengeance.”

“Atlanta is just a case in point for the many southern cities that are growing faster than the country as a whole.”

Case and point
Case and point

FAQs

What does “case and point” mean?

When anything is referred to as a “case in point,” it is a compelling illustration of the idea previously presented. Religious persecution is a common reason for people to leave their nation. 

When did the idiom “case in point” originate?

The idiom that dates back to the 1600s. “Case in point” refers to an example that holds up as essential to or relevant to the topic at hand.

It should come as no surprise that the phrase’s original meaning refers to a case law standard that a judge should adhere to when issuing a ruling on a related case in the future.

Is it correct to say “case and point?”

Although you can use the idiom case and point, case in point is the appropriate expression. I don’t want to put too fine a point on it, but you should always use the appropriate phrase: case in point!

Where did the saying case and point come from?

It derives from the French word “a pointe.” The word pointe in French refers to a particular aspect of the issue at hand. Since 1647, when the term was lengthened to “case in point,” it has been used in this manner. The case is occasionally used similarly to the word example, and over time, individuals began using the phrase case in point rather than just in point.

What are the other ways to use “case and point” or “case in point”?

“Case and point” or “Case in point” can be expressed in various ways. You could also express this in the following ways:

  • For example.
  • Example of this
  • Illustration of
  • For instance.
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Idiom

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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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