“Quid pro quo” is one of the most recognizable Latin expressions in modern English. Its literal meaning is “something for something,” and its central idea is…
The phrase pro bono appears in courtrooms, law firm websites, university clinics, nonprofit reports, and professional biographies. It is often associated with…
Legal writing often relies on compact Latin expressions to describe ideas that would otherwise require a longer explanation. Prima facie is one of the most…
Few Latin expressions have retained such precise force in modern international affairs as persona non grata. Literally meaning “an unwelcome person,” the…
Economic statistics often describe large populations, national budgets, and entire industries. These totals are useful, yet they can conceal important…
“Panem et circenses” is one of the most recognizable Latin expressions about political manipulation. Usually translated as “bread and circuses,” the phrase…
Few Latin phrases carry as much theatrical force as O tempora, O mores! Usually translated as “Oh, the times! Oh, the morals!”, the expression compresses…
A non sequitur is a statement, conclusion, or reply that does not logically follow from what came before it. The phrase comes from Latin and translates…
Some circumstances leave little room for genuine choice. A contract may impose a duty, a medical emergency may demand immediate action, or a difficult family…
Few Latin phrases have traveled so successfully from the ancient world into modern visual culture as memento mori. Usually translated as “remember that you…