build a case

English

Verb

build a case (third-person singular simple present builds a case, present participle building a case, simple past and past participle built a case)

1. (idiomatic) to compile evidence that supports a charge against someone.
   • 2021 August 25, SCMP Reporter, “Death of Thai man after police extortion attempt captured on viral video, sparks public anger”, in This Week in Asia‎^[1], South China Morning Post, retrieved 2021-08-25:

     A 10-minute leaked video showing a group of Thai police officers allegedly manhandling a drug suspect, putting a plastic bag over his head to extort money from him, has gone viral, sparking outrage on social media. Thailand's police chief...told reporters on Tuesday the force will build the case and press charges once ready.

Synonyms

• gather a case