The phrase "open shut cases" refers to a situation that is easy to solve or a decision that is obvious. The word "open" is pronounced as /ˈoʊpən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word "shut" is pronounced as /ʃʌt/, with the stress on the first syllable. The word "cases" is pronounced as /ˈkeɪsɪz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The phrase is spelled as it sounds, with "open," "shut," and "cases" being spelled phonetically.
The phrase "open shut cases" is idiomatic and typically used in informal contexts. It is commonly employed to describe situations, typically legal or investigative, where the conclusion or resolution seems glaringly obvious and requires minimal effort or analysis to reach. The phrase consists of two contradictory terms, "open" and "shut," which convey opposing ideas.
"Open shut cases" imply that the outcome or solution is apparent from the beginning, as if the case was never truly closed in the first place due to its undeniable simplicity. The term can be associated with straightforward situations, where the evidence or facts surrounding the matter are incontrovertible, eliminating the need for further investigation, deliberation, or debate. The phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to highlight the exaggerated ease of reaching a decision or solution.
The expression "open shut cases" is rooted in the idiomatic combination of "open" and "shut," which convey opposing notions of accessibility and impenetrability. However, when used together, they signify a situation where a case may have initially seemed closed, but the simplicity or clarity of the evidence makes it easily reopened and resolved promptly. It is worth mentioning that the phrase is frequently employed in casual conversations, storytelling, or discussions involving legal matters, crime solving, or matters of fact that offer little room for dispute.