cui bono

American  

[kooi boh-noh, kwee boh-noh, kahy-] / kʊɪ ˈboʊ noʊ, ˈkwi ˈboʊ noʊ, ˈkaɪ- /

Latin.

1. for whose benefit?

2. for what use? of what good?

---

cui bono British  

/ kwiː ˈbəʊnəʊ /

1. for whose benefit? for what purpose?

---

Example Sentences

The always-telling question “Cui bono?” applies here.

From Los Angeles Times

But now the answer to all who would emulate the deeds of a Parry or a Ross, a Beecher or a Franklin, is the stereotyped cui bono.

From Nature

But too little attention has been paid to the oldest question of all: Cui bono?

From Salon

Another phrase Latin and legal scholars point to regarding the impeachment inquiry is “Cui bono,” or “To whom is it a benefit?”

From Washington Post

Following the ancient Roman principle of cui bono — who benefits?

From Washington Post