Open-And-Shut

Pronunciation: /ˈoʊpən ənd ʃʌt/

Definitions of open-and-shut

adjective A term used to describe something that is easily decided or settled; straightforward or simple

Example Sentences

A1 The answer to the riddle was open-and-shut.

A2 The case was open-and-shut, with clear evidence against the suspect.

B1 The decision to choose a winner was open-and-shut, as one team clearly outperformed the others.

B2 The contract negotiations were open-and-shut, with both parties quickly agreeing to the terms.

C1 The scientific experiment yielded open-and-shut results, confirming the hypothesis.

C2 The legal case was open-and-shut, with overwhelming evidence leading to a swift verdict.

Examples of open-and-shut in a Sentence

formal The evidence presented in court made it an open-and-shut case for the prosecution.

informal It was such an open-and-shut situation that we knew the outcome before it even started.

slang The referee made an open-and-shut call on that play - no room for debate.

figurative Her decision to resign was an open-and-shut sign that she was ready for a change.

Grammatical Forms of open-and-shut

• past tense: opened-and-shut
• plural: opens-and-shuts
• comparative: more open-and-shut
• superlative: most open-and-shut
• present tense: open-and-shut
• future tense: will open-and-shut
• perfect tense: has opened-and-shut
• continuous tense: is opening-and-shutting
• singular: open-and-shut
• positive degree: open-and-shut
• infinitive: to open-and-shut
• gerund: opening-and-shutting
• participle: opened-and-shut

Origin and Evolution of open-and-shut

First Known Use: 1900 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'open-and-shut' originates from legal terminology, specifically referring to a case that is clear and easily decided.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to describe a case with a clear outcome, 'open-and-shut' has evolved to be used more broadly in everyday language to describe any situation that is easily resolved or obvious.