evidence

a shred of evidence

The slightest bit of evidence or proof. Usually used in negative constructions. You can't just come in here without a shred of evidence and start throwing around accusations like that! Your honor, it is clear that the prosecution doesn't have a shred of evidence to back up their claims. That guy can say whatever he wants—without a shred of evidence, no one will believe him.

See also: evidence, of, shred

give evidence of (something)

To provide proof or confirmation of something. Yeah, you can use your driver's license to give evidence of your mailing address. Her 30-page paper gave evidence of her extensive knowledge on the topic. If you don't have a pay stub, we'll accept an official letter from the company that gives evidence of your active employment.

See also: evidence, give, of

in evidence

1. Evident; plainly visible. All the renovations you made to the house are clearly in evidence. I think prospective buyers will be impressed. Jason said he's been cleaning his room all day, but I just went up there, and I didn't see much progress in evidence. Look at how nervous he gets around her! It's a crush on her in evidence, I'm telling you!

2. As evidence in a court proceeding. The attorney handed the judge the documents so she could admit them in evidence. Objection, Your Honor! None of this was admitted in evidence! I'm afraid this audio is inadmissible in court—that's why we can't enter it in evidence.

See also: evidence

much in evidence

Very noticeable, conspicuous, or apparent. The players have been working hard to improve their trust and confidence in one another, and it was very much in evidence during their impressive display on the field this past weekend. As the two foreign leaders traded insults, diplomacy was no longer much in evidence.

See also: evidence, much

prima facie evidence

In law, evidence that is strong enough to establish a fact unless successfully rebutted. From Latin, literally "first face." The police responded to several violent domestic disputes between the couple in the weeks leading up to her murder. Does that constitute prime facie evidence for a murder charge against her husband?

See also: evidence, prima

turn King's/Queen's evidence

To provide evidence in court against other parties involved in the crime for which one has been charged in order to receive a reduced sentence or to avoid prosecution altogether. (Either "King" or "Queen" is used depending on the current ruling monarch.) Primarily heard in UK. Many are speculating that the government aide taken into custody will agree to turn Queen's evidence against the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

See also: evidence, turn

turn state's evidence

To admit guilt in some crime and agree to give evidence against one's accomplices in court in order to avoid or receive a reduced prison sentence. Many are speculating that the administrative aide taken into custody will agree to turn state's evidence against the senator.

See also: evidence, turn

without a shred of evidence

Without having even a modicum of evidence or proof. You can't just come in here without a shred of evidence and start throwing around accusations like that! Your honor, it is clear that the prosecution has conjured these charges against my client from thin air, without a shred of evidence to back up their claims.

See also: evidence, of, shred, without

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

give evidence of something

to show signs of something; to give proof of something. You are going to have to give evidence of your good faith in this matter. A nominal deposit would be fine. She gave evidence of being prepared to go to trial, so we settled the case.

See also: evidence, give, of

much in evidence

Cliché very visible or evident. John was much in evidence during the conference. Your influence is much in evidence. I appreciate your efforts.

See also: evidence, much

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

in evidence

1. Also, much in evidence. Plainly visible, conspicuous, as in The car's new dents were very much in evidence. [Second half of 1800s]

2. As testimony in a court of law, as in The attorney submitted the photograph in evidence. [c. 1700]

See also: evidence

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

in ˈevidence

present and clearly seen: There were very few local people in evidence at the meeting. ♢ What’s the matter with John? His sense of humour hasn’t been much in evidence recently.

See also: evidence

turn King’s/Queen’s ˈevidence

(British English) (American English turn State’s ˈevidence) give information against other criminals in order to get a less severe punishment: One of the gang turned State’s evidence and identified at least three others involved in the fraud.

See also: evidence, turn

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

evidence

n. liquor. (Usually with the. Incorporated into a suggestion that the evidence be destroyed by drinking it.) There is only one thing to do with evidence like this, and that’s drink it.

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

in evidence

1. Plainly visible; to be seen: It was early, and few pedestrians were in evidence on the city streets.

2. Law As legal evidence: submitted the photograph in evidence.

See also: evidence

turn state's evidence

To give such testimony in court.

See also: evidence, turn

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.