open-and-shut

adjective

ˈō-pən-ən(d)-ˈshət

Synonyms of open-and-shut

: perfectly simple : obvious

: easily settled

an open-and-shut case of grand larceny

Examples of open-and-shut in a Sentence

an open-and-shut case of robbery

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Lamar Jackson makes that an open-and-shut case. — Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 6 Jan. 2026 For most leagues, this would be an open-and-shut case; a ban from the sport would never be challenged. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Her payments were spotty, the lawyer said, but overall, the case had been open-and-shut. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026 The killings initially appeared to be an open-and-shut case of murder-suicide, at the hands of Jeremy’s sister, Sheila. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open-and-shut

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of open-and-shut was in 1841

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

open air

open-and-shut

open-and-shut block

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Open-and-shut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-and-shut. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

open-and-shut

adjective

ˌōp-(ə-)nən-ˈshət

: perfectly plain : obvious

: easily settled

an open-and-shut case

open-and-shut

adjective

Synonyms of open-and-shut

Examples of open-and-shut in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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