Have a case Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkeɪs
HAV-uh-KAYS
hæv/ /æɪ/ /kˈeɪs
HAV-uh-KAYS
Definition
To have a valid legal argument or enough evidence to support a complaint or lawsuit. Can also mean to have a reason or justification for something.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in legal contexts or in everyday language to mean having a justified complaint. Common collocations: 'have a case against someone', 'have a strong/weak case'. Not about physical cases (like suitcases). Be careful not to confuse with 'case' meaning 'situation'.
Spanish: tener un caso - tener fundamento legalPortuguese (BR): ter um caso - ter fundamento legalPortuguese (PT): ter um caso - ter base legalChinese (Simplified): 有理由（起诉/投诉）- 有案件Chinese (Traditional): 有理由（起訴／投訴）- 有案件Hindi: मुकदमा करने का ठोस कारण होना - मामला होनाArabic: لديك قضية - لديك مبرر قانونيBengali: মামলা করার যথেষ্ট কারণ আছে - দাবি করার যুক্তি আছেRussian: есть основания для иска - есть обоснованные претензииJapanese: 正当な訴えがある - 訴訟の根拠があるVietnamese: có cơ sở kiện - có lý do chính đángKorean: 소송을 제기할 만한 근거가 있다 - 정당한 주장이 있다Turkish: dava açacak gerekçesi olmak - haklı bir gerekçesi olmakUrdu: مقدمہ دائر کرنے کا جواز ہونا - شکایت کرنے کا معقول سبب ہوناIndonesian: memiliki dasar hukum - memiliki alasan kuat
Example Sentences
Do you have a case against your landlord?
basic
If the evidence is strong, you'll have a case.
basic
She thinks she doesn't have a case.
basic
He brought the documents to prove he had a case.
natural
Honestly, I don't think you have a case here.
natural
Your lawyer says you really have a case against the company.
natural