Foreign Expressions - 2

Ad valorem is a Latin phrase meaning 'according to value.' It is used primarily in taxation to describe taxes or fees calculated as a percentage of the value of goods, property, or transactions rather than as a fixed amount. Property taxes and import duties often use ad valorem rates.

Per diem is a Latin phrase meaning 'by the day.' It refers to a daily allowance, rate, or payment, often used for business travel expenses, daily wages, or daily subsistence allowances. Per diem payments are intended to cover daily living expenses without requiring detailed receipts.

Pro bono is a Latin phrase meaning 'for the public good.' It describes professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, typically for the public good. It is commonly used in legal contexts where lawyers provide free services to those who cannot afford them.

Prima facie is a Latin expression meaning 'at first sight' or 'on the face of it.' It refers to evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact unless disproved. In legal contexts, it describes a case that has enough evidence to proceed unless the defense successfully disproves it.

Rigor mortis is a Latin term meaning 'stiffness of death.' It refers to the natural stiffening of muscles after death, caused by chemical changes in the body. This process typically begins 2-4 hours after death and peaks around 12 hours.

Sanctum sanctorum is a Latin phrase meaning 'holy of holies.' It refers to the most sacred place within a sacred space, originally referring to the inner sanctuary of the Temple in Jerusalem. Today it describes any place of great privacy or sacredness.

Vice versa is a Latin phrase meaning 'the other way round' or 'the positions being reversed.' It indicates that the reverse of a previously stated statement is also true. For example, 'women dislike men who are late, and vice versa' means men also dislike women who are late.

Persona non grata is a Latin term meaning 'unwanted person.' In diplomacy, it refers to a foreign person whose entering or remaining in a country is prohibited by that country's government. More broadly, it describes someone who is unacceptable or unwelcome.

Inter alia is a Latin phrase meaning 'among other things.' It is used to indicate that one thing is part of a larger group or list, without exhaustively listing everything. In legal writing, it often appears when listing examples or provisions.

Ultra vires is a Latin legal term meaning 'without authority' or 'beyond the powers.' It describes actions taken by a corporation or official that exceed their legal authority or powers. Something done ultra vires is considered invalid and unenforceable.

In vacuo is a Latin phrase meaning 'in vacuum.' It refers to a complete absence of matter or air. In scientific contexts, it describes conditions or experiments conducted in a vacuum, free from external influences or atmospheric pressure.

Locus standi is a Latin term meaning 'right to stand' or 'place to stand.' In law, it refers to the right to bring an action or challenge in court. A party must have sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action to have standing.

Labour omnia vincit is a Latin phrase meaning 'hard work conquers all' or 'work overcomes everything.' It expresses the idea that diligent effort and perseverance can overcome any obstacle or achieve any goal.

Vox populi is a Latin phrase meaning 'voice of the people.' It refers to the views or opinions of the general public or common people. The full phrase is often 'vox populi, vox dei' (the voice of the people is the voice of God).

Pro forma literally means 'for the sake of form' in Latin. It refers to something done as a formality or to satisfy a requirement, rather than for substantive reasons. The correct answer 'as a matter of form' directly captures this meaning of following established procedures without indicating real commitment or change.