Common Foreign Phrases

Front

deja vu

Back

A feeling of having already experienced the present situation.

Front

coup d'etat

Back

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Front

de facto

Back

In fact, or in effect, whether by right or not.

Front

carpe diem

Back

Seize the day; enjoy the present, as opposed to placing all hope in the future.

Front

faux pas

Back

An embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.

Front

vis-a-vis

Back

In relation to; with regard to.

Front

je ne sais quoi

Back

A quality that cannot be described or named easily.

Front

in media res

Back

In the middle of things; a narrative that begins in the middle of the story.

Front

pro bono

Back

For the public good; professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment.

Front

quid pro quo

Back

A favor or advantage granted in return for something.