Cui bono?
The English phrase "who benefits?" is translated into Latin as Cui bono?
Cui bono? is a rhetorical tool often used in legal and investigative contexts. It suggests that the individual who stands to gain the most from a particular action or situation is the most likely perpetrator of a crime. You may also encounter the variation Cui bono est?, which is used in philosophical discussions to question the underlying motivations behind an event or action.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Cui is the dative singular form of the interrogative pronoun quis, meaning "to whom".
Which one should you use?
While Cui bono? is a common rhetorical expression, Cui prodest? is a formal way to ask the same question. Additionally, Cui bono est? translates to "To whose good is it?" or "Who stands to gain?" and is typically reserved for philosophical inquiry.
Did you know?
- The phrase Cui bono? is famously associated with the Roman orator Cicero, who used the principle in his legal cases to find the motive behind a crime.
- In modern English legal and political jargon, Cui bono? is often used as a shorthand for 'follow the money'.
- While bono means 'good', in this specific phrase it functions as a noun meaning 'benefit' or 'advantage'.
Examples in context
- Cui prodest explorare vestes?Who benefits from examining the clothes?
- Cui istud prodest?Who benefits from that?
- Quis lucrum ex eo habet?Who gains profit from it?
Example conversation
Gaius and Aurelia are discussing a mysterious change in the city's laws.
- GaiusHoc nova lex est.This is a new law.
- AureliaCui bono?Who benefits?
- GaiusFortasse senatoribus.Perhaps the senators.
- AureliaIta puto.I think so.
