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  What it means

  Literally “to give from oneself everything,” this phrase means to put in maximum effort — to give 100%, to hold nothing back. It’s used whenever someone tries as hard as they possibly can, whether in a sports match, a job interview, or a creative project. Poles use it freely to praise someone’s full commitment or to describe their own resolve before a challenge. It closely mirrors the English expression “to give it your all.”

  Vocabulary

  • dać — to give (perfective)
  • dawać — to give (imperfective, ongoing action)
  • z siebie — from oneself (reflexive prepositional phrase)
  • wszystko — everything

  Grammar note

  The phrase uses the perfective verb *dać* (a single completed act of giving) rather than the imperfective *dawać*. The prepositional phrase *z siebie* (from + genitive of *się*) creates a reflexive sense — you are drawing from your own inner resources. *Wszystko* is in the accusative case as the direct object of *dać*.

  Cultural context

  This is a neutral, everyday expression heard across all registers — in locker-room speeches, motivational posts, and casual conversation. It carries no negative connotations and is safe in formal contexts. Its English equivalent 'give it your all' or 'give 110%' captures the spirit well.

  Beginner

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