polski.directory

[ Learn Polish. All resources, one place. ]
  • Listen

    What it means

    Literally “to take from outer space.” Modern slang meaning to make up a number or fact out of thin air — to pull a figure from nowhere with no basis in reality. Often used to call out inflated prices or baseless claims.

    Vocabulary

    • brać — to take
    • kosmos — outer space / cosmos

    Grammar note

    'Z kosmosu' uses the genitive after 'z' (from). The phrase is typically used with a direct object: 'brać ceny z kosmosu' (to pull prices out of thin air).

    Cultural context

    A very contemporary expression — you'll hear it in online discussions, consumer complaints, and political commentary. Captures the Polish talent for colorful exaggeration.

    Beginner

Noticed a typo, a wrong translation, or anything that doesn't look right? We'd love to fix it — just let us know via the contact page. Thank you!

More Polish idioms

  • Literally "one's whole life flew past before the eyes," this phrase describes the vivid, involuntary …
    Intermediate
  • Literally "for an example," na przykład is the standard Polish phrase for "for example" or "for …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the last/recent times," ostatnimi czasy is a common temporal phrase meaning "lately," …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the manner of Judas," this adverb describes acting in a treacherous, backstabbing way …
    Intermediate