Do ut des
LATIN EXPRESSION
Meaning and English translation 🔖
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.
🇮🇹 Espressione latina che significa "do affinché tu dia". Indica uno scambio reciproco, in cui entrambe le parti offrono qualcosa in cambio di qualcos’altro.
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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Where does the expression come from? 🔎
Do ut des originates from ancient Roman law, where it was used to describe reciprocal agreements.
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"!
