res ipsa loquitur

== English == === Etymology === Unadapted borrowing from Latin rēs ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”, literally “the thing itself speaks”). === Phrase === res ipsa loquitur The import of a thing or situation is obvious. Synonyms: clear cut, cut and dried, open and shut, open and shut case (tort law) A maxim where the very improbable facts of an accident imply the negligence of the defendant. It effectively shifts the burden of proof to the defendant. Coordinate term: prima facie ==== Translations ==== == Latin == === Alternative forms === rēs loquitur ipsa === Etymology === From rēs (“thing”) + ipsa (“herself”), the feminine of ipse (“himself”) because rēs is a feminine word + loquitur (“she speaks”) the third-person form of loquor (“to speak”). Literally, “the thing itself speaks” or “the matter itself speaks”. === Phrase === rēs ipsa loquitur the thing speaks for itself