in case of something—if smth. should occur; as a precaution against smth.:
- Always keep a bucket of water handy, for use in case of fire.
in the case of something—
1. as regards smth.:
- The essays were mostly good, but in the case of Jane’s and Tom’s, there was still much room for improvement.
2. = in case of something:
- All persons under their responsibility are trained and given adequate instruction in the case of fire.