Don't make a federal case out of it!

don't make a federal case (out) of (something)

Don't exaggerate or build up the importance of something; don't make a big deal out of something. The phrase is often used to complain that someone is exaggerating a problem or alleged wrongdoing. So I ate your leftovers. Geez, don't make a federal case out of it! A: "I know you borrowed my new sweater without asking me first." B: "Oh, come on, don't make a federal case out of it." My goodness, don't make a federal case of something that was a complete accident.

See also: case, federal, make, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Don’t make a federal case out of it!

sent. Don’t make such a fuss!; This isn’t as important as you are making it. So, I dropped a whole dozen eggs! I’ll clean it up. Don’t make a federal case out of it!

See also: case, federal, make, of, out

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.