a) a synonym phrase for "there are two sides (or more) to every story"
b) (forensic/criminal investigations, often used sarcastically): if you can't see the evidence, it doesn't mean it doesn't or can't exist.
c) (legal system): assuming that the defendant is not so severely mentally ill that even medications won't help, there is/should be/must be a motive to every crime.
d) a phrase meaning, everybody involved in the judicial system has their own motivations for acting the way they do.
based on the definitions above, especially definition d) CNN features a show called Death Row Stories because some prosecutors still need to learn what the phrase men wear pants in the relationship, but women control the zipper means.
A quote from "Platoon", but used in general conversation in "the Nam". It's based on a racest term "zipper-head", a name the US soldiers gave the Northern Vietnamese and militia (Vietcong) combatants to de-humanize their targets. It was quicker to refer to them as Zips, Cong, or V.C., and also served to make them "less human" in the eyes of the invading forces. Today, most people have forgotten about particulars of the Vietnam war, and often use the phrase as meaning there are enemies close at hand, or you are surrounded by very serious problems.
"We got zips in the wire",.... it's a lovely fuckingwar.
I heard he's getting fired for all the crap he said.....he got zips in the wire. Dude, now your getting fired.