as the case may be Definition

case²
noun

1. A particular occasion, situation or set of circumstances.
2. An example, instance or occurrence.

Thesaurus: example, instance, illustration, sample, exemplification, specimen.
3. Someone receiving some sort of treatment or care.
4. A matter requiring investigation.
5. A matter to be decided in a law court.

Thesaurus: lawsuit, suit, litigation, petition, proceeding.
6. The argument for or against something, presented as a set of arguments, statements, etc, with the relevant facts fully stated.

Thesaurus: argument, position, reason, evidence, facts.
Form: case for something (sometimes)
Form: case against something
7a. grammar.
The relationship of a noun, pronoun or adjective to other words in a sentence;
7b. grammar.
One of the forms or categories indicating the relationship.
Example: nominative case
8. An odd character.

Idiom: as the case may be

According to how things turn out.

Idiom: be the case

To be true.

Idiom: a case in point

A good example, relevant to the present discussion.

Idiom: in any case

Whatever happens; no matter what happens.

Idiom: in case

So as to be prepared or safe (if a certain thing should happen).

Idiom: in case of something

If a certain occurrence happens.

Idiom: in that case

If that happens, since that has happened, etc.

Etymology: 13c: from French cas, from Latin casus fall, chance, from cadere to fall.