cui bono

noun

cui bo·​no ˈkwē-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō 

1

: a principle that probable responsibility for an act or event lies with one having something to gain

2

: usefulness or utility as a principle in estimating the value of an act or policy

Examples of cui bono in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most important questions in an investigation is about establishing motive, summed up by the Latin phrase cui bono, or Who benefits? —Garrett M. Graff, Wired, 9 Aug. 2022

The question to ask in a leak case is always, cui bono? —The Editorial Board, WSJ, 3 May 2022

For the many who embrace climate change as a progressive cause, watch in the coming years for who benefits, cui bono. —William Levin, National Review, 15 Dec. 2020

The question that underlies the nocturnal ritual fantasy is cui bono? —Talia Lavin, The New Republic, 29 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Latin, to whose advantage?

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1