build a case

build a case

To compile evidence that supports an argument or charges against someone or something. The job of the prosecutor is to build a case to prove that the defendant is guilty. We're trying to build a case because many employees have been wrongly terminated by the company. I know you're trying to build a case against Todd, but all the trivial things you're rattling off are just not a big deal to anyone else in the department.

See also: build, case

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

build a case (against someone)

 and gather a case (against someone)

to put together the evidence needed to make a legal or disciplinary case against someone. The police easily built a case against the drunken driver. As soon as we gather the case against her, we can obtain a warrant to arrest her.

See also: build, case

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.