Polish proverbs

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Polish proverbs are short expressions of popular wisdom from all Polish speaking parts of the world.

Arranged alphabetically by author or source:
A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z · See also · External links

A[edit]

  • Ani kura za darmo nie gdacze.
    • Even the hen doesn't lay for free.
    • English equivalent: Nothing for nothing.
  • Za dziękuje nic się nie kupuje. (See in the Z section)
    • Your "Thank you" is fine but it will not help me pay my bills.
    • English equivalent: Nothing for nothing.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "955". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 798. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7. 
  • Anielskie usta a szatanskie serce.
    • English equivalent: A honey tongue and a heart of gall.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 108. ISBN 0415160502. 

B[edit]

  • Bez potrzeby wymówka, gotowe oskarżenie.
    • English equivalent: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
    • "People who know they have done wrong reveal their guilt by the things they say or the way they interpret what other people say."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "243". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 227. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6. 
  • Biada bez dzieci, biada i z dziećmi.
    • English equivalent: Children are uncertain comforts but certain cares.
    • "Children are bound to cause their parents anxiety, and may or may not also bring them joy."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 2 August 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 654. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bierze wilk i liczone owce.
    • English equivalent: Cats eat what hussies spare.
    • "What a person tries to keep back through meanness is just as likely to be wasted anyway."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Pickering, David (1997). "X". Cassell Dictionary of Proverbs. Continuum International Publishing Group, Limited. p. X. ISBN 978-0-304-35020-9. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 641. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bóg nie opuści, kto nań się spuści.
    • English equivalent: He who serves God has a good master.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 873. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bóg trójcę lubi.
    • English equivalent: All good things are three.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 80. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bogaty rzadko sprawiedliwy albo sam, albo jego przodek.
    • English equivalent: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Bogu świeczkę, a diabłu ogarek.
    • English equivalent: A fair face and a foul heart.
    • Meaning: Through appeasement, one tries to be friends with opposite sides. One tries to stay neutral when both sides argue/fight/quarrel.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 35. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Bogu ufaj, a ręki przykładaj.
  • Bóg pomaga temu, który sam rozwiązuje własne problemy.
    • English equivalent: God helps those who help themselves.
    • "When in trouble first of all every one himself should do his best to improve his condition."
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 150. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 732. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Broda nie czyni filozofa.
    • English equivalent: If the beard were all, the goat might preach.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 117. ISBN 0415160502. 

C[edit]

  • Chociaż w ciasnocie, ale w zgodzie.
    • English equivalent: The more the merrier.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1094. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Chudoba cnoty nie traci.
    • English equivalent: Poverty does not lose its virtue.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1030. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ciekawość to pierwszy stopień do piekła. "
    • English equivalent: Curiosity killed the cat.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 684. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Cierpieć z drugimi lżej.
    • Meaning: Shared misfortune has lesser impact on each individual involved.
    • English equivalent: Misery loves company.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Co było, nie wróci.
    • Translation: What was, won't come back.
    • English equivalent: You can't go back there.
  • Okazja na nikogo nie czeka.
    • Meaning: Wait too long and the opportunity is sure to vanish.
    • English equivalent: Time and tide waits for no man.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Co lekko przyszło, lekko pójdzie.
  • Łatwo przyszło, łatwo poszło.
    • English equivalent: Easy come, easy go.
    • Meaning: Something good that enters your life easily, will also often leave quickly.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 762. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Co mnie dziś, tobie jutro.
    • English equivalent: Today me, tomorrow thee.
    • "We make fun of those we're most scared of becoming."
    • Neil Strauss, Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life (2009)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Co z jabłoni spadnie, niedaleko upadnie.
  • Niedaleko spada jabłko od jabłoni.
    • English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 488. ISBN 0415096243. 
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Coś posiał – zbieraj
  • Kto sieje wiatr, zbiera burzę.
  • Tak się wyśpisz, jak sobie pościelesz.
    • Translation: What you reap is what you sow.
    • Meaning: It is only you who can blame or praise yourself for your ups and downs in life.
    • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Cudze ręce lekkie, ale niespore.
    • Translation: Someone else's hands are light, but not big.
    • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
    • Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
      • Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Cudze wady rychlej niż swoje obaczamy.
    • Meaning: Somebody else's faults and misdeeds are so much easier to spot that our own.
    • English equivalent: First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother's eye.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 838. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Czasowi ludzie służą.
    • English equivalent: Gnaw the bone which is fallen to thy lot.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243. 

D[edit]

  • Daj krowie w żłobie, to ona da tobie.
    • English equivalent: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dar za dar, słowa za słowa.
    • English equivalent: You must meet roughness with roughness.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1111. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dla chcącego nic trudnego.
    • English equivalent: If there is a will, there is a way.
    • Source needed
  • Do tanga trzeba dwojga.
    • English equivalent: It takes two to tango.
    • "There is a line from the New Testament that does say do not cast pearls before swine. It means that if people are not listening to you, stop talking to them. [When talking to] The one's who aren't listening, pull back. You are devaluing what you have to say by offering it to an audience that does nothing but reject it."
    • Jordan Peterson, Jordan B. Peterson on The 12 Rules of Life (2018)
    • Furiassi, C. The Anglicization of European Lexis, John Benjamins Publishing Company.
  • Dobra psu i mucha.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1079. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Doczeka się sierpa pokrzywa.
  • Kto pod kim dołki kopie, ten sam w nie wpada.
    • He who digs a pit for others, will fall in it himself.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 651. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Domowe psy, choć się kąsają, wilka ujrzawszy nań się rzucają.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 729. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dobra wola za uczynek stoi.
    • English equivalent: Take the will for the deed.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Dobre daleko słychać, a złe jeszcze dalej.
    • Meaning: Good deeds are remembered but bad ones are etched in our memory.
    • Translation: Ingratitude is the world's reward.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Dobry początek to połowa roboty.
    • English equivalent: A good beginning makes a good ending; Well begun is half done.
    • "Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A – beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 228. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Dobrymi chęciami jest piekło wybrukowane.
    • English equivalent: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Doktorze, sam się wylecz!
  • Dziecko, pijany i głupi zawsze prawdę powie.
    • English equivalent: Children, fools and drunken men tell the truth.
    • "Children and fools have no inhibition, and alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret."
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 272. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

G[edit]

  • Gdy idziesz zabijać muchę, nie zabieraj ze sobą armaty.
    • Translation: When out to kill a (house) fly, don't roll out a cannon to accomplish it.
    • Meaning: Adjust your means to your goals. Don't overreact there where less drastic action(s) will suffice.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Gdzie nie można przeskoczyć, tam trzeba podleźć.
    • English equivalent: Skill is better than strength.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 681. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Gdzie pana kochają, tam i jego pieska głaszczą.
    • Critical remark: This is not a Polish proverb. It is merely an interpretation of the English proverb written in Polish.
    • English equivalent: Love me, love my dog.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 953. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Głaszcz ty kotowi skórę, a on ogon wzgórę.
    • The more you stroke the cat , the more he raises his tail.
    • English equivalent: The more you stroke the cat's tail, the more he raises his back.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1184. ISBN 0415096243. 

  • Głos ludu, głos Boga.
    • English equivalent: The voice of the people is the voice of god.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1164. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Gotowe zdrowie, kto chorobie powie.
    • English equivalent: A problem shared is a problem halved.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 100. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Gwiazdki z nieba się zachciewa.
    • English equivalent: There is no building bridges across the ocean.
    • "You can't go around building a better world for people. Only people can build a better world for people. Otherwise it's just a cage."
    • Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad (1991)
    • Emanuel Strauss (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Taylor & Francis. p. 719. ISBN 978-0-415-10381-7. 

H[edit]

  • Historia się powtarza.
  • Historia lubi się powtarzać.
    • English equivalent: History repeats itself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1236". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. p. 276. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7. 

I[edit]

  • I cyprysy mają swoje kaprysy.
    • English equivalent: Every fool is pleased with his own folly.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "147". Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. 
  • I uczony Homer drzemał czasem.
    • English equivalent: Even Homer sometimes nods.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "208". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. pp. 57–58. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7. 

J[edit]

  • Jacy rodzice, takie dzieci.
    • English equivalent: As the old cock crows, so crows the young.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 138. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Jak dają, to bierz.
    • English equivalent: When the pig is proffered, hold up the poke.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1226. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jak sobie pościelesz, tak się wyśpisz.
    • English equivalent: As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 143. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Jaka matka, taka Katka.
    • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
    • "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Jaką miarką mierzysz, taką ci odmierzą.
    • English equivalent: Judge not lest ye be judged.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jaka płaca, taka praca.
    • Meaning: Higher wages yield better results.
    • English equivalent: You get what you pay for.
    • Similar proverb: Jaka praca, taka płaca.
      • Meaning: Antonym of the above proverb; you are paid well, if you work well.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 494. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jaki do jedzenia, taki do roboty.
    • English equivalent: Quick at meat, quick at work.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1150. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jaki ojciec, taki syn.
    • English equivalent: Like father, like son.
    • "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Jakie przyczyny, takie też skutki.
    • Another proverb in Polish reflecting the same meaning: "Nie ma dymu bez ognia."
      • Translation: Where there is smoke, there is fire.
    • English equivalent: Every why has its wherefore.
    • "Everything has an underlying reason."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 22 September 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jakie pytanie, taka odpowiedź.
    • English equivalent: Just as one calls into the forest, so it echoes back.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Kto chce wygrać gąsiora, trzeba ważyć kaczora.
    • English equivalent: Set a herring to catch a whale.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1134. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Jedna Jaskółka wiosny nie sprawi.
    • "Jaskólka, 2" (in Polish). Ksie̜ga przyslów: przypowieści i wrażeń przyslowiowych polskich. Exbud-Orion. 1894. pp. 184–. 
  • Jeża nie dotykaj, bo ukłuje.
    • English equivalent: Do not play with edged tools.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 716. ISBN 0415096243. 

K[edit]

  • Kłamcy dobrej pamięci i dowcipu prędkiego potrzeba.
    • English equivalent: A liar should have a good memory.
    • "Liars must remember the untruths they have told, to avoid contradicting themselves at some later date."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "274". Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. Retrieved on 24 November 2013. 
  • Kogo Pan Bóg stworzy, tego nie umorzy.
    • English equivalent: Each day brings it own bread.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 757. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Komu nie ma rady, temu nie ma pomocy.
    • English equivalent: He that will not be counseled cannot be helped.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 964. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kozła doić próżno.
    • English equivalent: You can't milk a bull.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1040. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ksiądz prałat tłumaczy, a żyje inaczej.
    • English equivalent: Preachers say: do as I say, not as i do.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 706. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kto łaskę pańską szacuje, coś w sobie niepewnego czuje.
    • English equivalent: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Kto czeka, ten się doczeka.
    • English equivalent. He that can have patience can have what he will.
    • "If it is humanly possible, consider it within your reach."
    • Marcus Antonius, On Essays and Meditations (180 BC)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Kto dwa zające goni, żadnego nie złapie.
    • English equivalent: Grasp all, lose all
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 886. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kto ma żytko, ma wszystko.
    • English equivalent: Plough deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and keep.
    • "A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labour and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which."
    • L. P. Jacks, Education through Recreation (1932), p. 1.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kto nie idzie naprzód, ten się cofa.
    • English equivalent: He who does not advance goes backwards.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 445. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kto nie ma w głowie, musi mieć w nogach.
    • English equivalent: Who falls short in the head must be long in the heels.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "149". Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 140. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. 
  • Kto prawdzie dzwoni, taki na guz goni.
    • English equivalent: All truths are not to be told.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 282. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje.
    • German: Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund.
    • English equivalent: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
    • Meaning: "A lifestyle that involves neither staying up late nor sleeping late is good for body and mind and leads to financial success."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 5 September 2013. 
    • Mianowskiego, Kasa (1894). Ksiega przyslów: przypowieści i wrażeń przyslowiowych polskich Ksiega przyslów: przypowieści i wrażeń przyslowiowych polskich, Samuel Adalberg. Druk E. Skiwskiego. p. 614. 
  • Kto łaskę pańską szacuje, coś w sobie niepew nego czuje.
    • English equivalent: A king's favour is no inheritance.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Kogo Bóg chce skarać, wtedy mu rozum odejmie.
    • English equivalent: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 841. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie kupuj kota w worku.
    • English equivalent: Let the buyer have a thousand eyes for the seller wants only one.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1101. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kropla drąży kamień.
    • English equivalent: Constant dropping wears the stone.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Kto się ożeni, to się odmieni.
    • English equivalent: Marry and grow tame.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1085. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Kuj żelazo, póki gorące.
    • English equivalent: Strike while the iron is hot.
    • Mianowskiego, Kasa (1894). Ksiega przyslów: przypowieści i wrażeń przyslowiowych polskich Ksiega przyslów: przypowieści i wrażeń przyslowiowych polskich, Samuel Adalberg. Druk E. Skiwskiego. p. 546. 

L[edit]

  • Łakomy wszystkim zły, sobie najgorszy.
    • English equivalent: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lekarstwo podczas, cięższe niż choroba.Template:Awkward
    • English equivalent: The remedy is often worse than the disease.
    • "Action taken to put something right is often more unpleasant or damaging than the original problem."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 646. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepiej nie dosolić, nie przesolić.
    • Translation: Better not to add salt than oversalt.
    • English equivalent: Better underdone than overdone.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 589. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepiej pózno, niż wcale.
    • Translation: Delayed is preferable to never.
    • English equivalent: Better late than never.
    • Meaning: "It is better that somebody arrives or something happens later than expected or desired, than not at all."
    • Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 30 June 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 584. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepiej umrzeć stojąc niż żyć na kolanach.
    • Translation: It is better to die standing than to live on your knees.
    • English equivalent: "Death before dishonour."
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 164. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lepsze jedno dziś, niż dwoje jutro.
    • Translation: Better one today, than two tomorrow.
    • English equivalent: One today is worth two tomorrows.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepsze jest wrogiem dobrego.'
    • English equivalent: "Better is the enemy of good."
    • Meaning: The aim for perfection or mastery might slow down progress.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lepsze imię dobre niźli bogactwa hojne.
    • English equivalent: A good name is the best of all treasures.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lepszy grosz dany niż złoty obiecany.
    • English equivalent: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 75. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Lepszy własny chleb niż pożyczona bułka.
    • English equivalent: Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepsza rozwaga niż odwaga.
    • English equivalent: Discretion is the better part of valor.
    • "Confront your enemies, avoid them while you can."
    • Englishman in New York (198X)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 703. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepsze zdrowie niż pieniądze.
    • English equivalent: Good health is above wealth.
    • "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his health?"
    • Dale Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (1948)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu
    • Translation: A sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon on the roof.
    • English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
    • Grębski, Marek (2008). Sukces na egzaminie. Sklep WSiP 10 % rabatu. p. 14. ISBN 8302089346. 
  • Ludzi słuchaj, a swój rozum miej.
    • Translation: Listen to people, but keep your own wits.
    • English equivalent: Though thou hast ever so many counsellors, yet do not forsake the counsel of thy own soul.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1044. ISBN 0415096243. 

M[edit]

  • Mowa wiatr, a pismo grunt.
    • English equivalent: Paper is forbearing.
    • "Paper, they say, does not blush, but I assure you it’s not true and that it’s blushing just as I am now, all over. "
    • Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov (1879–1880)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1160. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Mowa pospolita, pospolicie prawdziwa.
    • English equivalent: Common fame is seldom to blame.
    • "EVIL. That which one believes of others. It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake."
    • H. L. Mencken, A Book of Burlesques (1924), p. 203.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 662. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Myśl długo, czyń prędko.
    • English equivalent: A closed mouth catches no flies.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 751. ISBN 0415096243. 

N[edit]

  • Na grubą gałąź trzeba grubego klina.
    • Example: If someone treats you poorly, you should treat him equally poorly.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 12. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Na kulawym koniu daleko nie zajedziesz.
    • English equivalent: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca.
    • Translation: Don't praise the day before sunset.
    • Meaning: Don't celebrate until you are absolutely sure there is a reason to do so.
    • Kamiński, Marek (2008). Razem na Bieguny. Sklep WSiP 10 % rabatu. p. 176. ISBN 8391100960. 
  • Nie ma reguły bez wyjątku.
    • English equivalent: There is no rule without an exception.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1174. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie od pracy, ale od złej doli głowa boli.
    • English equivalent: Fretting cares make grey hairs.
    • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 631. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie trzeba dowierzać.
    • English equivalent: Diffidence is the right eye of prudence.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie wierz słowom, a czynom.
    • Translation: Bear witness to facts, not words.
    • English equivalent: No need of words, trust deeds.
    • Meaning: "Actions may be, and indeed sometimes are deceptive in a measure though not as much so as words; and accordingly are received in general as more full and satisfactory proofs of the real disposition and character of persons than verbal expressions."
    • Source for meaning: Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order .... Munroe and Company. p. 10. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 91. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nad możność nikogo nie pociagają.
    • English equivalent: Do as you may, if you can't do as you could.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 707. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Niech się najbardziej wysmuknie sowa, przecie nie dojdzie sokoła.
    • English equivalent: Judge not a man and things at first sight.
    • "No good Book, or good thing of any sort, shows its best face at first."
    • Thomas Carlyle, Essays, "Novalis" (1829)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 713. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Niecnotliwa zazdrość, chyba w niebie jej nie masz.
    • English equivalent: Envy takes no holiday.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 767. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Niedaleko pada jabłko od jabłoni.
    • English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
    • Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
    • Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Nie potrzeba ognia do ognia przydawać.
    • English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
    • Meaning: One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark.
    • Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 338. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Nie przyszła góra do Mahometa, Mahomet przyszedł do góry.
    • English equivalent: If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain.
    • Meaning: "If you cannot get what you want, you must adapt yourself to the circumstances or adopt a different approach."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 135. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1006. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie pytaj starego, pytaj bywałego.
    • Translation: Do not ask the old – ask the experienced.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 808. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Na pochyłe drzewo wszystkie kozy skaczą.
    • Translation: All goats jump onto leaning trees.
    • Meaning: If you leave yourself open to abuse, others will abuse you.
    • English equivalent: If you turn yourself into a doormat, everyone will walk over you.
    • Kamiński, Marek (2003). Uniwersalny słownik języka polskiego, Stanisław Dubisz. Wydawn. Naukowe PWN. p. 716. ISBN 8301138580. 
  • Nic nowego pod słońcem.
    • English equivalent: Nothing is new (under the sun).
    • Meaning: Absolutely everything has been done before.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1114. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie dziel skóry na niedźwiedziu.
    • Translation: Don't share the skin while it's still on the bear.
    • Adamska-Sałaciak, Arleta (2003). Nowy słownik Fundacji Kościuszkowskiej polsko-angielski - The new Kosciuszko Foundation dictionary Polish-English, Volym 2. Kościuszko Foundation. p. 514. ISBN 832420007X. 
  • Nie mów „hop”, póki nie przeskoczysz.
    • Translation: Don't say 'up', before you have jumped.
    • English equivalent: Walk the walk, then talk the talk.
    • "I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself."
    • Oscar Wilde, The Good Husband (1895)
    • Drabik, Lidia (2006). Słownik idiomów polskich PWN. Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. p. 321. ISBN 8301148322. 
  • Nie trzeba dowierzać.
    • English equivalent: Diffidence is the right eye of prudence.
    • Meaning: When forming a belief be doubtful; no one is always right, after all.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 701. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie trzeba dowierzać.
    • English equivalent: Distrust is the mother of safety.
    • Meaning: Trust no one except yourself, and don't trust yourself entirely either. Trust, but verify.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 699. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nie wszystko złoto, co się świeci.
    • English equivalent: All that glitters is not gold.
    • Meaning: An attractive appearance may be deceptive. It may cover or hide a much less favourable content.
    • Source for meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 114. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Nim słońce wzejdzie, rosa oczy wygryzie.
    • English equivalent: While the grass grows the steed starves.
    • Meaning: Dreams or expectations may be realized too late.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Nowa miotła dobrze zamiata.
    • English equivalent: "New brooms sweep clean."
    • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243. 

O[edit]

  • Obiecianki - cacanki.
    • English equivalent: Eggs and oaths are soon broken.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Od przybytku głowa nie boli.
    • English equivalent: A store is no sore; Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it.
    • Meaning: "An object that seems useless now may be just what you need at some future time, so do not discard it."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Roman Zawlinśki (1979). Poradnik językowy. Państwowe Wydawn Naukowe. 
  • Od wymysłów jeszcze nikt nie umarł.
    • English equivalent: Hard words break no bones.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 17. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Odmiana słodzi rzeczy.
    • English equivalent: Variety is the spice of life.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 89. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Okazja łysa z tyłu, z przodu ją brać trzeba.
    • English equivalent: Opportunity knocks only once.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 400. ISBN 0415096243. 

P[edit]

  • Pieniądze szczęścia nie dają.
    • English equivalent: Wealth rarely brings happiness.
    • Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness (1930)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 671. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Piosnka najprzyjemniejsza każdemu, gdy go chwalą.
    • English equivalent: There is no sound more pleasing than one's owns praises.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 319. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Po to są pieniądze, aby je wydawać.
    • English equivalent: Money is there to be spent.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1013. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Poznać błazna i bez dzwonków.
    • Translation: A fool does not need any bells.
    • English equivalent: A tongue of a fool carves a piece of his heart to all that sit near him.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 136. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Postawić wszystsko na jedną kartę.
    • English equivalent: Don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
    • Meaning: "Spread your risks or investments so that if one enterprise fails you will not lose everything."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 18 August 2013. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Prawda nie głaszcze.
    • English equivalent: Not all truths are proper to be told.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1111. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Prawda w winie.
    • English equivalent: In wine there is truth.
    • Latin equivalent: In vino veritas.
    • Meaning: Alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret.
    • Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 272. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Przecież się nie pali.
    • English equivalent: We shall lose nothing by waiting.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1770". Dictionary of European Proverbs. II. p. 1218. ISBN 978-0-415-10381-7. 
  • Kto buja wysoko, bywa próżny.
    • English equivalent: It is not the cow that shouts the loudest that gives the most milk (French).
    • Meaning: It is not he who advertises for himself the most that can achieve the greatest results.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1169. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Prosta droga najkrótsza.
    • Translation: Fortune favours the bold.
    • Strauss (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 394. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Punktualność jest grzecznością królów.
    • English equivalent: Punctuality is the virtue of princes.
  • Tardo amico nihil est quidquam iniquius.
    • "Nothing is more annoying than a tardy friend."
    • Plautus, Panulus, III. 1. 1.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Pychy niedobry koniec bywa.
    • Translation: Pride comes before fall.
    • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1149. ISBN 0415096243. 

R[edit]

  • Rannego wstania, rannej siejby i rannego ożenienia jeszcze nikt nie żałował.
    • English equivalent: Who has not served cannot command.
    • Meaning: One must have been controlled in the same situation one wishes to properly control others.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243. 

S[edit]

  • Serce nie kłamie.
    • English equivalent: The heart sees farther than the head.
    • English equivalent: Trust your instincts.
    • Julia Louis-Dreyfus, How She Broke the Seinfeld Curse, Redbook Magazine (2010)
  • Słowa myśl pochłaniają, słowa myśli kłamią.
    • English equivalent: Men talk only to conceal the mind.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1088. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Słyszy czujny, choć śpi.
    • English equivalent: An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brains.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 415. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Szanuj honor od młodu.
    • Translation: Old habits die hard.
    • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1122. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Śpiesz się powoli.
    • English equivalent: Make haste slowly.
    • Latin equivalent: Festina lente.
    • Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Państwowe (2000). Inny słownik języka polskiego PWN, Volume 2. Wydawn. Nauk. PWN. p. 228. ISBN 8301128267. 
  • Stara miłość nie rdzewieje.
    • English equivalent: True love never grows old.
    • Jordan, Penny (1996). Stara miłość nie rdzewieje. Harlequin Enterprises. pp. 156. ISBN 8370708919. 
  • Starość, nie radość.
    • English equivalent: Age and poverty are ill to bear.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 177. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Szewc bez butów chodzi.
    • English equivalent: The shoemaker goes barefoot.
    • Meaning: "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
    • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 65. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 661. ISBN 0415096243. 

T[edit]

  • Ten się drapie, kogo swędzi.
    • English equivalent: If the shoe fits, wear it.
    • "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."
    • Bill Gates, Business @ The Speed of Thought (1999)
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 998. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Ten się śmieje, kto się śmieje ostatni
    • English equivalent: he who laughs last, laughs longest.
    • Maciej Dominiczak (2013). Księga Przysłów. 
  • Tonący brzytwy się chwyta
    • English equivalent: A drowning man plucks at a straw.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Trafiła kosa na kamień.
    • The scythe has met the stone
  • Trudno naturę odmienić.
    • English equivalent: What is bred in the bone will not go out of the flesh; The leopard cannot change his spots.
    • "What is innate is not to be eradicated by force of education or self discipline: these may modify the outward manifestations of a man's nature, but not transmute the nature itself."
    • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. X. 
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 985. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Tu leży pies pogrzebany.
    • English equivalent: To smell a rat.
    • Dominiczak, Maciej (2013). "T". Księga Przysłów: Inaczej mówiąc mądrości, motta, porzekadła, powiedzenia, przysłowia, sentencje itp.. p. 94. GGKEY:PSTLS28WEL4. 

U[edit]

  • Uwaga! Stary pies szczeka.
    • English equivalent: An old dog barks not in vain.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 0415160502. Template:Verify source

W[edit]

  • Wchodząc między wrony, krakaj jak i one.
  • Kiedy wszedłeś między wrony, musisz krakać jak i one
    • Translation: When among the crows, caw as the crows do.
    • English Equivalent: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
    • Kojder, Andrzej (2002). Klimaty korupcji. Centrum im. Adama Smitha & Wydawn. Naukowe Semper. p. 80. ISBN 8386885432. 
  • Więcej ludzi utonęło w kieliszku niż w morzu.
    • English equivalent: Wine has drowned more than the sea.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 864. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Więcej słuchaj, a mniej mów - zawsze szkodzi zbytek słów.
    • English equivalent: Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Wielcy złodzieje małych wieszają.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1086. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Wolno bogatemu biednie żyć.
    • English equivalent: His own desire leads every man.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243. 

Z[edit]

  • Z deszczu pod rynnę
    • From rain and under the gutter.
    • English equivalent: Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
    • Kakietek (1999). Phraseological dictionary Polish-English. Energeia. p. 55. ISBN 8385118705. 
  • Z niczego, nic nie będzie.
    • English equivalent: From nothing, nothing will be
    • Meaning: If you don't do anything, nothing will come to you.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 238. ISBN 0415160502. 
  • Za dziękuję nic się nie kupuje.
    • Meaning: Your "Thank you" is fine but it will not help me pay my bills. Saying "Thank you" to someone sounds louder if reinforced with money.
    • English equivalent: ?
  • Złej baletnicy przeszkadza rąbek u spódnicy
    • Translation: A bad dancer blames the hem of her skirt.
    • English equivalent: A bad workman always blames his tools.
    • Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Państwowe (2002). Inny słownik języka polskiego PWN, Volym 2. Wydawn. Nauk. PWN. p. 337. ISBN 8301128267. 
  • Żaden w swej sprawie sędzią być nie może.
    • English equivalent: No one can be the judge in his own case.
    • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243. 
  • Złego początku, zły koniec.
    • English equivalent: A bad beginning makes a bad ending.
    • Meaning: "It is as impossible that a system radically erroneous, once commenced, should end well, as it is that a mathematical problem, commenced wrong, should come out right."
    • Source for meaning: William Henry Porter (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order .... Munroe and Company. p. 202. 
    • Emanuel Strauss (1994). "1". Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 1. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6. 

See also[edit]

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