GAMES/World of Puzzles

December, 2025

Scott Erdman

 

Can you identify these Latin phrases that are still a major part of our language?

 

1. Dies irae

2. Pro bono

3. In vino veritas

4. A priori

5. Vox populi

6. Veni, vidi, vici

7. Prima facie

8. Non compos mentis

9. Sine qua non

10. Semper fidelis

11. Modus operandi

12. Deus ex machina

13. Magna cum laude

 

Answers:

 

1. Days of rage

2. For good (without charge)

3. There is truth in wine (Drunks tell the truth.)

4. "From the beginning" - Taken at face value   

5. Voice of the people

6. Caesar's boast - "I came, I saw, I conquered."

7. At first glance, based on first impression

8. Not of sound mind

9. "Without which is nothing" - essential part 

10. Always faithful (motto of U.S. Marine Corps)

11. Method of operation (MO)

12. "God from a machine" - implausible resolution

13. With great praise