Make a Case For: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 21, 2023

The idiom "make a case for" means to argue or present reasons in favor of something or someone. It implies that the speaker or the writer has some evidence or logic to support their position or opinion. It also suggests that they are trying to persuade or convince someone else to agree or take action.

In short:

  • It is an idiom that means to present reasons in favor of something or someone.
  • It can be used in various contexts and situations, such as politics, business, and more.

What Does "Make a Case For" Mean?

To "make a case for" something or someone is to present arguments or reasons that support it or them. This expression implies that the person using it has some evidence or logic to support their position or opinion. It also suggests that they are trying to influence or persuade someone else to agree with them or to take some action.

Some related expressions that have a similar meaning are:

  • Make an argument for
  • Make a pitch for
  • Make a plea for
  • Advocate for
  • Lobby for

Where Does "Make a Case For" Come From?

The idiom "make a case for" comes from the legal term "case," which refers to facts or evidence supporting a claim or defense. In a court of law, lawyers make cases for their clients by presenting arguments and proofs to the judge or the jury. They try to show that their clients are innocent, entitled, or justified in some way.

10 Examples of "Make a Case For" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • About last night, he tried to make a case for his favorite movie to his girlfriend.
  • Quite frankly, she could make a case for being the best singer in the competition.
  • In a time crunch, they had to make a case for their project proposal to the investors.
  • No diggity. The lawyer tried to make a case for his client's innocence before the jury.
  • She had to make a case for why she should be allowed to go downtown with her friends.
  • She had to buckle down and make a case for why she deserved a promotion to her boss.
  • Oh, snap. He had to make a case for why he needed more time to finish his assignment.
  • Way to go! The environmentalists made a case for banning plastic bags and reducing waste.
  • Yaas! She made a case for herself as the best candidate for the job by highlighting her skills.
  • No mean feat. He made a case for raising the minimum wage by citing statistics and studies.

Examples of "Make a Case For" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom appeared in pop culture:

  • In the movie Legally Blonde (2001), Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) "makes a case for" herself to be admitted to Harvard Law School by making a video essay. She says: "I feel comfortable using legal jargon in everyday life. I object!"
  • In the TV show The Office (2005-2013), Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson) "makes a case for" why he should be the best salesman of the year. He says: "I have been salesman of the month for 13 out of the last 12 months. You heard me right. I did so well last February that Corporate gave me two plaques instead of a pay raise."
  • In the book The Hunger Games (2008) by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen makes a case for why she should volunteer as a tribute in place of her sister Prim. She says: "I protect Prim in every way I can, but I'm powerless against the reaping…I can't let Prim end up in the Hunger Games."
  • In the song "Make a Case" (2018) by The Wombats, the singer makes a case for why he should be with his lover. He says: "I'll make a case for you and me / I'll make a case that we could be / Something more than what we are / Something more than broken hearts."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Make a Case For"

Here are some synonyms or alternative ways to say this idiom:

  • Defend something
  • Vouch for something
  • Advocate for something
  • Make a pitch for something
  • Make an argument for something

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Make a Case For"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom:

  • What does "make a case for" mean?

The idiom "make a case for" means to argue or present reasons in favor of something or someone. It implies that the speaker or the writer has some evidence or logic to support their position or opinion. It also suggests that they are trying to persuade or convince someone else to agree or take action.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "make a case for"?

The idiom "make a case for" comes from the legal term "case," which refers to facts or evidence supporting a claim or defense. In a court of law, lawyers make cases for their clients by presenting arguments and proofs to the judge or the jury. They try to show that their clients are innocent, entitled, or justified in some way.

  • Is "make a case for" formal or informal?

The idiom "make a case for" can be used in formal and informal situations, depending on the tone and context. It is more common in traditional settings, such as legal, academic, or business contexts, where it implies a serious and rational argument. However, it can also be used in informal settings, such as personal or casual conversations, where it means a friendly and persuasive suggestion.

  • What is the difference between "make a case for something" and "make a case against something"?

The difference between "make a case for something" and "make a case against something" is the direction or position of the argument. To make a case for something means to argue in favor of something or to support something. To claim something means to argue against something or to oppose something.

  • Can you use "make a case for" as a noun?

Yes, you can use "make a case for" as a noun phrase that refers to the act or process of making an argument for something.

  • What are some antonyms of "make a case for"?

Some antonyms of "make a case for something" are "dismiss something," "refute something," and "concede something."

  • How do you use "make a case for" in a negative sentence?

You can use "make a case for" in a negative sentence by adding a negative word (such as not, no, never, none, or nothing) before or after the phrase.

  • How do you use "make a case for" in a conditional sentence?

You can use "make a case for" in a conditional sentence by adding a conditional word (such as if, unless, only if, or provided that) before or after the phrase.

  • How do you use "make a case for" in a passive-voice sentence?

You can use "make a case for something" in a passive voice sentence by changing the word order and adding the verb "be" and the past participle of "make" (which is "made").

  • How do you use "make a case for" in an imperative sentence?

You can use "make a case for" in an imperative sentence by using the base form of the verb "make" and omitting the subject.

Final Thoughts About "Make a Case For"

The idiom "make a case for" is a valuable and versatile expression that can help you communicate your opinions, proposals, or beliefs effectively and persuasively.

Here are some key points to remember about this phrase:

  • It can be used in different types of sentences.
  • It comes from a legal term for presenting evidence and arguments in court.
  • It means to argue that something is the best thing to do, giving your reasons.
  • It has many synonyms and antonyms that can express similar or opposite meanings.
  • It can be used in various contexts and situations, such as politics, business, and education.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2024 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier