caveat emptor

English

Etymology

From Latin caveat (“may s/he beware”), the subjunctive of caveō (“I beware”) + emptor (“buyer”).

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkæv.iˌɑt ˈɛmp.tɔɹ/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Phrase

caveat emptor

  1. Used as a warning to anyone buying something that there might be unforeseen problems or faults with what is bought.
  2. (historical, commercial law) A provision of Roman law which gave the seller of a house the legal right to keep quiet about any defects of the house.

Further reading

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