crack a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack a case" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of solving a mystery or a crime, often associated with detectives or investigators. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to crack the case and bring the culprit to justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Next time you see one of those television crime-scene investigators crack a case with high-tech analysis, better take it with a grain of salt.

The New York Times

Inspector Montalbano directly addresses, in anguished inner monologue, the question of what it means to be a good policeman in a culture where it can be unwelcome – or even dangerous – to crack a case.

The Guardian - Books

The movie's point seems to be that nothing short of the ability to arrest suspects before they commit a crime would have enabled D.C.'s benighted police force to crack a case like Chandra Levy's.

The New York Times - Magazine

Crucially, of course, these are lady cops, with all the investigative drawbacks that implies – namely, they can't just crack a case by going to one of their toms for a tip-off and a freebie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is not that you learn how to rob a bank or crack a case or swing a vote, but you gain access to a half-secret language and a body of artisanal lore that allows you to imagine that in the right circumstances you might be able to.

The New York Times

8 P.M. (ABC) CHARLIE'S ANGELS In this episode, based on a teleplay from the original 1970s series, the Angels -- Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), Eve (Minka Kelly) and Abby (Rachael Taylor) -- pose as innocents abroad to crack a case involving a kidnapping ring in Cuba, where they are framed and thrown into a women's prison.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Hunting them is Jack Hammond, who years before cracked a case in which Orapost kidnapped a senator's baby daughter.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, that has not stopped her declaring she is "100% certain" that she has cracked a case that has driven so many to distraction.

The Guardian - Arts

"Murders are never forgotten," said Roslynn R. Mauskopf, the United States attorney in Brooklyn, as she stood with a knot of law enforcement officials who declared that they had cracked a case that had eluded them for 16 years.

The New York Times

Although she is young (16 in the original books, 18 in the revised editions) she is always in control: adults and authority figures listen to her respectfully and even her father, "famous lawyer Carson Drew" generally can't crack a difficult case without her assistance.

The Guardian

Martin notes that it could be used in something like agriculture to identify a soil biome or to crack a forensic case gone cold.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack a case" when you want to convey a sense of overcoming a significant challenge or mystery, especially in a detective or investigative context. It's more impactful than simply "solving" something.

Common error

Avoid using "crack a case" in literal contexts where something is physically broken. This phrase is figurative and primarily applies to solving problems or mysteries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack a case" functions as a verb phrase, where "crack" acts as a transitive verb meaning to solve, and "case" is the direct object. It signifies the action of successfully resolving a difficult or intricate problem, typically within a detective or investigative context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack a case" is a useful idiom for describing the successful solving of a complex problem, particularly in investigative contexts. While generally considered grammatically correct and acceptable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to be mindful of the context and avoid literal interpretations. Its usage is most common in news and media, with alternative phrases like "solve a case" offering more formal options. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "crack a case" to add color and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solve a case

Focuses on the resolution aspect, similar to solving a puzzle.

resolve a mystery

Emphasizes the mysterious or puzzling nature of the situation.

figure out a problem

Applies to a broader range of issues, not necessarily legal or investigative.

unravel a puzzle

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the situation.

get to the bottom of something

Suggests a thorough investigation to find the underlying truth.

break a code

Refers to deciphering a coded message or system, implying a form of solving.

unearth the truth

Emphasizes uncovering hidden or obscured facts.

find a solution

Focuses on achieving a resolution, often in a more general sense.

get to the root of

Suggests identifying the fundamental cause or origin of a problem.

shed light on

Implies clarifying or revealing previously unknown information.

FAQs

What does it mean to "crack a case"?

To "crack a case" means to solve a difficult or complex problem, particularly in the context of law enforcement or investigations. It implies overcoming significant obstacles to find a solution or uncover the truth.

Are there alternative phrases for "crack a case"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "solve a case", "resolve a mystery", or "figure out a problem" depending on the specific context.

Is "crack a case" formal or informal language?

"Crack a case" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts, especially in news reporting, fiction, and casual conversation. For highly formal situations, consider using "solve a case".

How can I use "crack a case" in a sentence?

You might say, "The detective worked tirelessly to "crack a case" that had baffled the police for years" or "The new technology helped them "crack a case" that had gone cold."