Polish proverbs
Wikimedia list article
Polish proverbs are short expressions of popular wisdom from all Polish speaking parts of the world.
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.
- Byl w Rzymie, a papieża nie widzial.
- English equivalent: He was in Rome and did not see the pope.
- Emanuel Strauss (11 January 2013). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 274. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7.
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 odważnych świat należy.
- English equivalent: Fortune favours the bold.
- "Those who act boldly or courageously are most likely to succeed."
- Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 38. ISBN 0415096243.
- 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!
- English equivalent: Physician, heal yourself!
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1142. ISBN 0415096243.Template:Verify source
- 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.
- Gdy się człowiek spieszy, to się diabeł cieszy
- Gdzie człowiek się śpieszy, tam diabeł się cieszy.
- Translation (loose): There where a man is in a hurry, the devil has a ball/ the devil can score big.
- Translation: When a man is in a hurry, the devil is merry.
- English equivalent: Haste makes waste.
- Dominiczak, Maciej (17 October 2013). Księga Przysłów: Inaczej mówiąc mądrości, motta, porzekadła, powiedzenia, przysłowia, sentencje itp.. Maciej Dominiczak. p. 31. GGKEY:PSTLS28WEL4.
- 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.
- Another proverb in Polish reflecting the same meaning: "Nie ma dymu bez ognia."
- 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–.
- Jeśliś szewc, pilnuj swego kopyta!
- English equivalent: A blind man should not judge of colours.
- "An uneducated man cannot judge of the attainments of the learned."
- M. W. Carr (1868). A Collection of Telugu Proverbs translated, illustrated and explained; together with some Sanscrit Proverbs printed in the Devanâgarî and Telugu Characters: By M. W. Carr. A Supplement to the Collection of Telugu Proverbs: containing additional Proverbs, an Index verborum, and an index to the European Proverbs quoted in illustration. Christian Knowledge Society's Press. p. 141.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 660. ISBN 0415096243.
- 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 prawdę gada, wiele slow nie potrzebuje.
- English equivalent: Truth gives a short answer, lies go round about.
- "Any author who uses mathematics should always express in ordinary language the meaning of the assumptions he admits, as well as the significance of the results obtained. The more abstract his theory, the more imperative this obligation."
- Maurice Allais La formation scientifique, Une communication du Prix Nobel d’économie, Maurice Allais (1997).
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1183. ISBN 0415096243.
- 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.
- Nieza to biją, że ukradł, ale źle schował.
- English equivalent: The sin is not in the sinning but in the being found out.
- Emanuel Strauss (1994). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 348. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7.
- 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.
- "Nosił wilk razy kilka, ponieśli i wilka".
- English equivalent: Long goes the pitcher to the well before it gets broken at last.
- Maciej Dominiczak (17 October 2013). Księga Przysłów: Inaczej mówiąc mądrości, motta, porzekadła, powiedzenia, przysłowia, sentencje itp.. Maciej Dominiczak. p. 75. GGKEY:PSTLS28WEL4.
- 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.