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

14. Ad infinitum

15. Sui generis

16. Magnum opus

17. Post mortem

18. Quid pro quo 

 

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 

14. Forever

15. One of a kind

16. Major word

17. After the event (death), as an analysis  

18. "This for that" - Reciprocal exchange