Idioms are fun phrases that don’t mean what they literally say. In this post, we’ll explore different idioms related to court. These sayings are used in everyday English and make language more colorful. Let’s dive into some court-related idioms that you can start using right away!
Court Idioms
Here are 20 court idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. All rise
Meaning: Command to stand in court
Example: When the judge enters, everyone must all rise.
2. Hold court
Meaning: Be the center of attention
Example: She held court at the party last night.
3. Kangaroo court
Meaning: Unfair, biased court
Example: That trial was a kangaroo court.
4. Throw the book at someone
Meaning: To punish severely
Example: The judge threw the book at him.
5. On the docket
Meaning: Scheduled for discussion
Example: The case is on the docket tomorrow.
6. The jury is out
Meaning: Decision not yet reached
Example: On that issue, the jury is still out.
7. To plead the fifth
Meaning: Refuse to testify against oneself
Example: He decided to plead the fifth.
8. Under oath
Meaning: Sworn to tell the truth
Example: She testified under oath.
9. In the dock
Meaning: On trial in court
Example: He was in the dock for theft.
10. Bench trial
Meaning: Trial without a jury
Example: She requested a bench trial.
11. Court of public opinion
Meaning: Judged by society/public
Example: He lost in the court of public opinion.
12. Have one’s day in court
Meaning: Get a chance to prove oneself
Example: He’ll have his day in court.
13. Lay down the law
Meaning: State rules or expectations clearly
Example: The teacher laid down the law.
14. Legal eagle
Meaning: A smart lawyer
Example: He’s quite the legal eagle.
15. Let off with a warning
Meaning: Not punished severely
Example: She was let off with a warning.
16. Make a federal case out of something
Meaning: Exaggerate the importance of an issue
Example: Don’t make a federal case out of it.
17. Pass the bar
Meaning: Qualify as a lawyer
Example: She finally passed the bar.
18. Rule of thumb
Meaning: Basic principle
Example: As a rule of thumb, always be early
