Phrase (Noun Phrase)
/kæst ˈaɪərn ˈælɪbaɪ/
A "cast-iron alibi" refers to an explanation or excuse that is extremely strong, reliable, and unquestionable. It is often used in legal contexts to indicate that a person has an unassailable proof of their whereabouts at a given time, thereby proving their innocence in situations such as criminal investigations.
This phrase is frequently used in both oral and written English, particularly in discussions or narratives about crime, investigations, or any situation where credibility is central to the argument.
Translation: Él tenía una coartada a prueba de balas, ya que estaba en una videollamada con su amigo durante el momento del incidente.
The detective was impressed by the suspect's cast-iron alibi, making it difficult to proceed with the case.
Translation: El detective quedó impresionado con la coartada a prueba de balas del sospechoso, lo que dificultaba avanzar con el caso.
When the police checked his whereabouts, it turned out that he really had a cast-iron alibi.
The phrase "cast-iron alibi" is itself frequently used and can be part of other idiomatic expressions emphasizing reliability and certainty. Here are a few examples:
Translation: Nadie puede dudar de su coartada a prueba de balas durante el juicio.
"She presented a cast-iron alibi that left the jury no choice but to acquit her."
Translation: Ella presentó una coartada a prueba de balas que no dejó al jurado más opción que absolverla.
"Despite all the accusations, his cast-iron alibi stood strong."
Translation: A pesar de todas las acusaciones, su coartada a prueba de balas se mantuvo firme.
"The town had a cast-iron alibi for their actions, as the event was documented thoroughly."
Translation: El pueblo tenía una coartada a prueba de balas para sus acciones, ya que el evento fue documentado exhaustivamente.
"She quickly realized that her cast-iron alibi was the key to her defense."
Translation: Se dio cuenta rápidamente de que su coartada a prueba de balas era la clave de su defensa.
"Having a cast-iron alibi was the only way to escape the harsh judgment of the public."
The term "cast-iron" refers to something that is strong, durable, and able to withstand pressure, reflecting the properties of cast iron in materials science. The word "alibi" comes from the Latin phrase "alibi," meaning "elsewhere," indicating that the person was somewhere else during the time an act was committed. The combining of these two terms creates a vivid metaphor for an indisputable defense.
Synonyms: - Unquestionable alibi - Strong alibi - Irrefutable proof
Antonyms: - Dubious alibi - Weak excuse - Questionable defense
This structured approach to understanding "cast-iron alibi" provides comprehensive insights into its meaning, usage, idiomatic expressions, origins, and alternate terms, catering to a deeper understanding of the phrase in the English language.