Broń Boże
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What it means
Literally “God forbid.” An exclamation used to strongly reject a suggestion or ward off an undesirable outcome — expressing that something should absolutely not happen.
Vocabulary
- broń — defend / protect (imperative of 'bronić')
- Bóg — God
Grammar note
'Boże' is the vocative of 'Bóg' — used when addressing God directly. The imperative 'broń' calls on God to protect against something.
Cultural context
A deeply rooted expression in Polish Catholic culture, used even by non-religious speakers as a general exclamation.
Beginner
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