Do ut des (transl. Quid pro quo)

🗓️ 4 giugno 2024 — Today, we dive into a Latin expression, or rather two. It's important to remember this different use so as not to fall into any quid pro quo... ehm... misunderstanding.

[DOH-oot-DES]

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LATIN EXPRESSION

Quid pro quo.

A Latin phrase meaning "I give so that you may give." It signifies a mutual exchange of goods or services, often implying a reciprocal relationship where each party offers something in return for what they receive.

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💬 EXAMPLE SENTENCES

Mario ha accettato di aiutare Luigi, ma si aspetta che sia sicuramente un do ut des.
Mario agreed to help Luigi, but he expects it to be a quid pro quo for sure.

Anna ha fatto un favore a Carla, ma c'era un do ut des implicito.
Anna did a favor for Carla, but there was an implicit quid pro quo.

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🔎 WORD ORIGINS

Do ut des originates from ancient Roman law, where it was used to describe reciprocal agreements.

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🤓 DID YOU KNOW THAT…

IMPRESS YOUR ITALIAN FRIENDS WITH CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT ITALY AND ITS CULTURE

In English, "quid pro quo" describes a reciprocal exchange or a favor done with the expectation of a return favor. However, in Italian, the term "qui pro quo" has a completely different meaning. It signifies a misunderstanding or a mistake, often due to confusing one thing for another.

The Italian term "qui pro quo" traces its origins back to medieval pharmaceutical texts. It described substituting one medicine for another, indicating a mix-up. This historical context highlights how the phrase evolved to mean a misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

The next time you encounter a "quid pro quo" scenario, you'll know to use "do ut des" in Italian to avoid any "qui pro quo"!

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👉 YOUR TURN

Can you use the word DO UT DES correctly in a sentence?

Based on the definition and examples provided, write a sentence using today's word of the day and share it as a comment on this post. It is important that your sentence makes sense and shows that you understand the word's definition, but we also encourage you to use creativity and have fun.