cui bono

Etymology

From Latin cui est bono? (“to whom is it a benefit?”).

Noun

cui bono (uncountable)

1. The principle that the ultimate initiator of an action is likely the person who stands to gain from the action.
   • 1900, Evelyn Shuckburgh, Letters to Atticus, translation of original by Marcus Tullius Cicero:

     If the principle of cui bono is applied, it is evident that the gainers were the party of the trumvirs, whose popularity would be increased by a belief being created that their opponents the Optimates were prepared to adopt extreme measures to get rid of them.

Further reading

• cui bono in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
• cui bono at OneLook Dictionary Search

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cui bonō.

Phrase

cui bono?

1. who benefits?