Crossword Genius

Sardonic nob said to be a hopeless case (5-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

write-off

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'case' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for write-off that I've seen before include "Cancel, a debt perhaps" , "Cancel like bad debt" , "Send a letter - cancel a debt" , "Car too costly to repair" , "Give up on, recognise as lost like bad debt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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