Definition: That soul-crushing moment when your client, defendant, or witness opens their mouth in a legal setting and delivers a statement so catastrophically self-incriminating or factually annihilating that you instantly know the case is irrevocably lost. It’s the audible thud of the judge’s gavel hitting your hopes.
You physically feel the win evaporate as they proudly detail uncharged crimes, admit key evidence is fake while under oath, or arrive drunk to their own DUI hearing. It’s the sound of your professional competence colliding head-on with their certified grade-A moron moment, watching your paycheck vaporize.
Example:
My heart sank as the defendant proudly declared, “Yeah, I did it, and I’d do it again!” sealing our fate before the stunned jury.
The witness, under oath, cheerfully admitted the crucial contract signature was forged, instantly destroying our breach of contract claim.