put this case to rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put this case to rest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a particular issue or matter should be resolved or concluded. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, we can finally put this case to rest and move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Only a hearing where witnesses are subject to cross-examination will put this case to rest.

The New York Times

"It is disappointing that the Court did not take the opportunity to put this case to rest," Cohn, who is a staff attorney of the ACLU of Texas, wrote in an email statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In Egypt, officials may have had reason to hope that the identification of Regeni's alleged killers would put the case to rest.

The Guardian

Seth Williams, the district attorney, maintains that Mr. Abu-Jamal is guilty but says it is time to put the case to rest and have Mr. Abu-Jamal spend his life in prison without possibility of parole.

The New York Times

Now a new lead could help put the case to rest after forensic evidence linked Albert DeSalvo – the man who confessed to the murders but was never prosecuted for them – to the final victim of the serial killer who became infamous as the Boston Strangler.

Independent

I would love to know where the horse is buried so we can put the case to rest".

BBC

Even though the Waller County Sheriff's Department released dashcam footage of the arrest Tuesday in an apparent act of transparency, doing so not put the case to rest.

Vice

But the discovery did little to solve the mystery of the marines' disappearance and, far from putting the case to rest, dredged up powerful local resentment about how Americans treated Okinawans after the fighting stopped.

The New York Times

The agencies involved in the original one come off poorly in this film, and it's hard to imagine any entity that would command the authority that could put the Flight 800 case to rest.

The New York Times - Arts

So go the negotiations in the courtroom of Patricia DiMango, a straight-talking State Supreme Court justice brought in to the Bronx from Brooklyn to do what she does best — put old cases to rest.

The New York Times

While the deal would put those civil cases to rest, it would not save JPMorgan from a parallel criminal inquiry from federal prosecutors in California, the people briefed on the talks said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "put this case to rest" when you want to emphatically state the need to conclude a matter definitively, especially when it involves disputes, investigations, or situations causing unrest. This idiom suggests a strong desire for closure.

Common error

Avoid using "put this case to rest" in extremely casual conversations. The idiom carries a tone of seriousness and finality, making it sound out of place when used for minor or trivial matters. Opt for simpler alternatives in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put this case to rest" functions as an idiomatic expression used to signify the definitive resolution or conclusion of a particular issue or matter. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in contexts where closure is desired, such as legal proceedings or prolonged disputes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "put this case to rest" is a common way to express the need for a definitive resolution to a matter. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it carries a tone of seriousness that makes it less appropriate for informal settings. Consider alternatives like "conclude this matter" or "resolve this issue" for different shades of meaning. The examples on Ludwig highlight its use in contexts where closure and finality are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclude this matter

Focuses on the act of ending or finalizing the issue.

resolve this issue

Emphasizes finding a solution to the problem, leading to its termination.

settle this dispute

Highlights the agreement or compromise needed to end the disagreement.

close this case

Specifically refers to ending a legal or investigative matter.

bring this to a conclusion

Focuses on the process of reaching an end or finishing point.

finalize this situation

Emphasizes the completion and last stage of the matter.

end this affair

Highlights the termination of an event or sequence of events, often implying something negative or controversial.

wrap up this business

Focuses on completing the task or matter efficiently.

finish this undertaking

Emphasizes the completion of a project or endeavor.

cease this action

Highlights the act of stopping or discontinuing an activity.

FAQs

What does "put this case to rest" mean?

The phrase "put this case to rest" means to resolve an issue, argument, or investigation definitively, bringing it to a final conclusion and preventing further discussion or dispute. It implies a strong desire for closure.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "put this case to rest"?

It's appropriate to use "put this case to rest" when you want to emphasize the importance of ending a matter, particularly one that has been ongoing or contentious. It suits formal discussions, legal contexts, or serious disagreements.

What are some alternatives to "put this case to rest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "conclude this matter", "resolve this issue", or "close this case". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "put this case to rest" formal or informal?

The phrase "put this case to rest" is generally considered formal to neutral. While not overly technical, it carries a tone of seriousness and finality, making it more suitable for professional or serious discussions than casual conversation.