as the case may be

As conditions or circumstances dictate. Well, she's won't know her work schedule until the day of the party, so she's either coming or she's not, as the case may be. A: "The boss is either happy or unhappy with your work, as the case may be." B: "Gee, thanks, that sure clears things up." We may need you to come over tonight if we need an extra pair of hands with the kids, as the case may be.

as the ˌcase may ˈbe

used to say that one of two or more possibilities is true, but which one is true depends on the circumstances: There may be an announcement about this tomorrow — or not, as the case may be.