Nearly seven years ago, two political insiders sitting in a City Hall office agreed: These days, you have to be careful how you talk. Too many politicians are much too obvious about their corrupt intentions and self-dealing,

Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis concluded a pivotal week of testimony in the corruption trial of former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan on Wednesday. Federal prosecutors say Madigan and his top aide Michael McClain ran a criminal conspiracy to enrich themselves and expand their political influence.

The entire case against Madigan hinges on one Latin phrase—quid pro quo—that is, that Madigan used his power and influence in exchange for jobs for his law firm, among other things. As they listened to the recordings, jurors heard both Solis use that very phrase.