Phrases & Expressions

To promise in a contract that another party will not be held responsible for a loss or claim.

• The contract includes a hold harmless clause.
• We need to hold them harmless from any future claims.

The right of ships to pass through the territorial waters of another country without being challenged, provided they cause no harm.

• All ships enjoy the right of innocent passage.
• The vessel was exercising innocent passage.

A directive to capture a person alive if possible, but to kill them if necessary.

• The special forces received a kill or capture order.
• The soldiers were sent on a kill or capture mission in the mountains.

To look at someone or something with suspicion or disapproval.

• He looked askance at the stranger in his house.
• The boss looked askance at his late arrival.

A slogan meaning that no decision about a group should be made without that group taking part.

• The disability rights movement's motto is 'Nothing about us without us'.
• The new policy follows the principle of 'nothing about us without us'.

Of an option: bringing no profit if used now, because its strike price is worse than the market price.

• The far out of the money puts were cheap insurance against a crash.
• An out of the money option that expires worthless costs the buyer only the premium.

A Latin phrase meaning that agreements must be kept.

• The treaty is based on the principle of pacta sunt servanda.
• Pacta sunt servanda is crucial for international relations.

By itself; intrinsically; considering only the thing itself, not other factors.

• Money per se isn't evil.
• I don't dislike the idea per se.

A matter that has been finally decided by a court and cannot be litigated again.

• The issue is protected by res judicata.
• This claim is barred by res judicata.

The area between the social foundation and the ecological ceiling, where human needs are met without harming the planet.

• The goal is to operate within a safe and just space.
• Doughnut economics aims to keep humanity within a safe and just space.