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  What it means

  Literally “to reach power,” this phrase means “to come to power,” “to rise to power,” or “to gain control.” It describes the process by which a person, party, or group takes over a position of authority — whether through elections, a coup, or gradual political maneuvering. Poles use it most often in political discourse, but also in business or organizational contexts when someone gains control of an institution. The phrase implies a process of arriving at power, not merely holding it.

  Vocabulary

  • dojść — to reach, to arrive at (perfective)
  • władza — power, authority, government
  • do władzy — to power (genitive after 'do')

  Grammar note

  The verb 'dojść' is perfective, emphasizing the completion of the process of reaching power. It governs the genitive case: 'do władzy' (to power). The imperfective equivalent 'dochodzić do władzy' is used when describing an ongoing or repeated process.

  Cultural context

  This phrase appears constantly in Polish political journalism and historical writing. Given Poland's turbulent 20th-century history — communist takeover, martial law, post-1989 transitions — the phrase carries weight. It can be used neutrally or with a critical undertone depending on context.

  Intermediate

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