Crossword Genius

Open-and-shut, according to the circumstances? (2,3,4,3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

as the case may be

'according to the circumstances?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for as the case may be that I've seen before include "according to circumstances?" , "Open-and-shut, possibly" , "Depending on the particular circumstances (2,3,4,3,2)" , "Accordingly" , "according to how things turn out?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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