polski.directory

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

    What it means

    “To have a hand in something.” To contribute to or be involved in something — often used when someone has played a part in causing a problem or bringing about a result.

    Vocabulary

    • dołożyć — to add, to contribute (perfective)
    • ręka — hand

    Grammar note

    'Rękę' is accusative of 'ręka'. 'Dołożyć do czegoś rękę' — to put one's hand to something, to have a hand in it.

    Cultural context

    Can be positive (contributing to a success) or negative (having a hand in causing trouble).

    Intermediate

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