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  What it means

  Literally “to play like a cat with a little mouse.” It describes a stronger person who keeps a weaker person or opponent waiting instead of ending the matter quickly. The image is a cat catching prey, releasing it, and catching it again for sport. Poles use it about a boss who strings an employee along, a negotiator who keeps the other side guessing, or any case where one side has control but delays the final decision and keeps the weaker side powerless. It often suggests cruelty or cynical amusement from the stronger person.

  Vocabulary

  • bawić się — to play, to amuse oneself (reflexive)
  • kot — cat
  • myszka — little mouse (diminutive of mysz)

  Grammar note

  The construction uses the instrumental case after the preposition 'z' — 'z myszką' means 'with a (little) mouse.' The reflexive verb 'bawić się' requires 'się' at all times. The phrase 'jak' introduces a comparison.

  Cultural context

  This is a neutral-to-informal expression understood across Poland. It maps closely to the English phrase 'to play cat and mouse' and is often used in journalistic writing about politics and business dealings.

  Beginner

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