1. to exaggerate the seriousness of something small; to make a big deal out of something

1. | was looking at your test paper to see the date. Don’t make a federal case out of it.

2. Come on. It was nothing! Don’t make a federal case out of it.

3. I only stepped on your toe. Don’t make a big deal about it.

4. I agree that he shouldn't have said that, but there's no reason to make a federal case out of it.

5. Do you have to make a federal case out of it every time I come home late?