What It Means

Ah yes, the classic article of procrastination: "We have to look at it case by case". This is code for meaning we don't know the answer and can only stall for time until a plausible response presents itself. A modern day mantra that all too many of us are familiar with.

How to Use It

"I can't give you an answer right now, we have to look at it case by case..."

When It Became Popular

1980