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  What it means

  Literally “the devils are taking (it/him/her),” this expression is used to say that something has gone to hell — it’s ruined, lost, or fallen apart beyond saving. It expresses strong frustration when a plan, object, or situation has completely collapsed. Poles use it in moments of exasperation, similar to saying “it’s all gone to hell” in English. It can refer to things, projects, or even people who are beyond help.

  Vocabulary

  • diabli — devils (nominative plural of diabeł)
  • diabeł — devil
  • biorą — they take (third person plural of brać)
  • brać — to take

  Grammar note

  The verb 'biorą' is third person plural present tense of 'brać' (imperfective). 'Diabli' is the nominative plural of 'diabeł.' The phrase is impersonal in feel — no direct object is stated, so the sense is that everything is being carried off by devils. The imperfective aspect of 'brać' suggests an ongoing, sweeping process of ruin.

  Cultural context

  Religious imagery is common in Polish idioms, and the devil figures prominently as a symbol of chaos and destruction. This expression is informal and emotionally charged — it is appropriate among friends or family but not in formal contexts. It is stronger than mild frustration and signals genuine despair or anger.

  Intermediate

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