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open case

[/ˈoʊpən keɪs/]
nounpl: open cases
caso aberto
1. A legal or investigative matter that remains unresolved and active
The murder case has been open for three years.
O caso de homicídio permanece aberto há três anos.
2. A situation or problem that is not yet concluded or settled
We have several open cases in our department that need attention.
Temos vários casos abertos em nosso departamento que precisam de atenção.
3. A matter that is subject to discussion or debate; not finalized
The budget remains an open case until all departments submit their reports.
O orçamento permanece um caso aberto até que todos os departamentos apresentem seus relatórios.
NYC Slang
cold case (when referring to unsolved crimes), unfinished business
Synonyms
unsolved casepending caseactive caseongoing case
Antonyms
closed caseresolved casesettled case

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caso aberto
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
caso em aberto
Common alternative phrasing
Portugal
caso pendente
More common in legal contexts; 'caso aberto' also used

Related Idioms & Phrases

open and shut case (opposite meaning - a case that is easily resolved)
case closed (antonym phrase)
put the case to rest (to resolve an open case)
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