Case the mail

A classic phrase!

"Case the mail" is a colloquialism that means to examine or inspect the mail that has been delivered to a particular address. It's often used in a context where someone is checking to see if they have received any important or expected letters or packages.

For example:

• "I'm going to case the mail and see if my new credit card arrived."
• "I'll case the mail and let you know if the package from Amazon shows up."

The phrase is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, when mail was delivered by postal carriers who would "case" or inspect the mail as they delivered it to ensure that it was properly addressed and delivered to the correct recipient.

Today, the phrase is still widely used, especially in informal settings or in conversations with friends and family.